John Oliver (Jo) Lancaster DFC - Ejector Seat
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John Oliver (Jo) Lancaster DFC - Ejector Seat
What a wonderful story 
Full story here ...
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A unique timepiece that made aviation history is safely back where it belongs after nearly four decades in the wilderness.
On May 30, 1949, former Bomber Command pilot John Oliver “Jo” Lancaster DFC was propelled into the history books for being the first pilot to eject from an aircraft in an emergency situation using a Martin-Baker ejection seat.
On May 30, 1949, former Bomber Command pilot John Oliver “Jo” Lancaster DFC was propelled into the history books for being the first pilot to eject from an aircraft in an emergency situation using a Martin-Baker ejection seat.
The Argus
Last edited by CoffmanStarter; 25th Oct 2013 at 19:12.
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According to Wikipedia (not always the most reliable source, admittedly) Lancaster was the first British pilot to use a Martin-Baker in an emergency - from a prototype Armstrong Whitworth A.W.52 flying wing. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armstr...itworth_A.W.52
On 30 May 1949, while diving the first prototype at 320 mph (515 km/h), test pilot J.O. Lancaster encountered a pitch oscillation believed to be caused by elevon flutter. Starting at two cycles per second, it rapidly increased to incapacitating levels. With structural failure seemingly imminent, Lancaster ejected from the aircraft using its Martin-Baker Mk.1 ejection seat, becoming the first British pilot to use the apparatus in a "live" emergency. It was fortunate that he was alone in the aircraft as the second crew member was not provided with an ejection seat.
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SGOTD ... So I understand 
BBC South also covered the story after the early evening National News on the TV.
I have a feeling it might "spin" rather too well
BBC South also covered the story after the early evening National News on the TV.
I have a feeling it might "spin" rather too well
Last edited by CoffmanStarter; 26th Oct 2013 at 07:05.
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My wife,as a 5 year old, was living in Birdingbury, near Leamington Hastings, at the time of this event and saw the aircraft crash. It took 17 years and marriage to a semi anorak, myself, to discover the historic nature of the ejection. 
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P.S... Jo landed in a field at the rear of the Cuttle Inn in the village of Long Itchington .... known to the local kids as Short Scratchington. The pub is still there and worth a visit.
