Eject! Eject! - John Nichol
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"....and what appears to be a US bone dome? Something frowned upon in HM's RAF!"
Sorry John, that may be the real Goose himself (with the beard) but that's a Mk2A helmet (predictably, a precursor of the Mk3 series but with the g-activated/one-pull sprung visor mech, via the yellow bar); UK Phantom torso harness, Mk17 LSJ and a Type 317 man-mounted regulator. Clearly even the esteemed RN SE's wouldn't let him fly with the US helmet - all that kit was all standard RAF/Pusser's issue at the time. Which is more than can be said for the Captain's dodgy beret, surely?!
Last edited by Squipdit Fashions; 28th May 2023 at 03:46. Reason: Term of endearment redacted!
Captain's dodgy beret, surely?
No real details on final F-14 ejection
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Yes RAN FAA OLDies and EMU aircrew (mit beards) liked to wear the BERET. Cool for the flight deck wind but I went capless on same.
Webpage for RANHFV4 personnel now somewhere else with a beret wearer in HUEY door familiar to this forum.
https://www.navy.gov.au/customs-and-...val-uniforms-0 “...The lessons of World War II saw the RAN introduce a dedicated air arm into service and from 1947 a proliferation of new trades and specialisations began to appear. Soon pilots, observers, air crewmen, aircraft handlers, meteorologists, photographers, safety equipment personnel and myriad other air engineering trades swelled the ranks of the RAN. Flying clothing was introduced as were a host of new non-substantive rate badges and other items of uniform including the black wool beret....” https://www.navy.gov.au/sites/default/files/Birdies.jpg & http://www.navy.gov.au/sites/default...ip%20small.jpg
&
3rd cont - 3.jpg (1500×900) (navy.gov.au)
Some possible CARROLL e-mails here: Ward Carroll email address & phone number | YouTube Content Creator contact information - RocketReach
https://www.faaaa.asn.au/wp-content/.../03/RayRob.jpg
Last edited by SpazSinbad; 28th May 2023 at 05:48.
"....and what appears to be a US bone dome? Something frowned upon in HM's RAF!"
Sorry John, that may be the real Goose himself (with the beard) but that's a Mk2A helmet (predictably, a precursor of the Mk3 series but with the g-activated/one-pull sprung visor mech, via the yellow bar); UK Phantom torso harness, Mk17 LSJ and a Type 317 man-mounted regulator. Clearly even the esteemed RN SE's wouldn't let him fly with the US helmet - all that kit was all standard RAF/Pusser's issue at the time. Which is more than can be said for the Captain's dodgy beret, surely?!
Interestingly, Charlie's replacement on 5 Sqn was Capt William Schaffner - subject of another recent thread here about a 'non-ejection' and UFOs.....
And Charlie had PREVIOUSLY ejected from a F-100 in Vietnam with Guy Grutrers and been rescued (incredible combat recovery under fire). Gruters then ejected AGAIN a few weeks later, was captured and spent 5 1/2 years in Hell as a PoW.
Ejecting certainly can be, just the start of a journey!
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Thanks for this. A mis-ID from me on early helmets! Though I asked for a good reason - one of the stories I cover in the book is Charlie Neel, the USAF exchange officer on Lightnings. When he ejected (flying alongside Chris Coville - later 'AM Sir Chris') he was wearing his USAF helmet adapted with UK fittings, and his USAF boots. He got a bit of a kicking for this at the Board of Inquiry.
Interestingly, Charlie's replacement on 5 Sqn was Capt William Schaffner - subject of another recent thread here about a 'non-ejection' and UFOs.....
And Charlie had PREVIOUSLY ejected from a F-100 in Vietnam with Guy Grutrers and been rescued (incredible combat recovery under fire). Gruters then ejected AGAIN a few weeks later, was captured and spent 5 1/2 years in Hell as a PoW.
Ejecting certainly can be, just the start of a journey!
Interestingly, Charlie's replacement on 5 Sqn was Capt William Schaffner - subject of another recent thread here about a 'non-ejection' and UFOs.....
And Charlie had PREVIOUSLY ejected from a F-100 in Vietnam with Guy Grutrers and been rescued (incredible combat recovery under fire). Gruters then ejected AGAIN a few weeks later, was captured and spent 5 1/2 years in Hell as a PoW.
Ejecting certainly can be, just the start of a journey!
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Last edited by MAINJAFAD; 28th May 2023 at 19:57.
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"159022 (MSN 083) (VF-14) collided with F-14A 160902 while operating from NAS Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico Dec 5, 1979 and crashed into sea." https://www.joebaugher.com/navy_seri...dseries20.html
"159022 F-14A VF-14 05.12.1979 BuNo 159022 crashed into the Caribbean following a collision with F-14A BuNo 160902, while operating near Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico." HOME OF M.A.T.S. - The ultimate F-14 site!
"159022 F-14A VF-14 05.12.1979 BuNo 159022 crashed into the Caribbean following a collision with F-14A BuNo 160902, while operating near Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico." HOME OF M.A.T.S. - The ultimate F-14 site!
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"159022 (MSN 083) (VF-14) collided with F-14A 160902 while operating from NAS Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico Dec 5, 1979 and crashed into sea." https://www.joebaugher.com/navy_seri...dseries20.html
"159022 F-14A VF-14 05.12.1979 BuNo 159022 crashed into the Caribbean following a collision with F-14A BuNo 160902, while operating near Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico." HOME OF M.A.T.S. - The ultimate F-14 site!
"159022 F-14A VF-14 05.12.1979 BuNo 159022 crashed into the Caribbean following a collision with F-14A BuNo 160902, while operating near Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico." HOME OF M.A.T.S. - The ultimate F-14 site!
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During my time in the RAF I witnessed 6 ejections - but never had to do one myself - thankfully!!
All but one were successful.
I was always a potential fan of Martin Baker!!
All but one were successful.
I was always a potential fan of Martin Baker!!
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___________________
CONVENIENT? "...In October 1979, VF-32 completed an unprecedented 10 years of accident-free flying...." https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/Or...adron-History/
USAF issue helmet
We had a USAF pilot on 43[F] Sqn in 82 who flew in his USAF issue helmet with UK electrics/O2 mask hooks. When we told him we weren't to sure of the integrity of it, due to the camo tape, he took an aircraft to Alconbury and got a new helmet. Minus the camo tape. Apparently he found the Mk4a too heavy. the internals were all signed off by the 'Big Boys' at Farnborough apparently.
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Thanks - I did not see that. Confirmed by this official squadron history for VF-14 TOPHATTERS: 26 NOV - 15 DEC 79 "Weapons Deployment, -Roosevelt Roads, PR." "SAFETY RECORD (page 34) Accidents NONE" https://www.history.navy.mil/content...4/pdf/1979.pdf
___________________
CONVENIENT? "...In October 1979, VF-32 completed an unprecedented 10 years of accident-free flying...." https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/Or...adron-History/
___________________
CONVENIENT? "...In October 1979, VF-32 completed an unprecedented 10 years of accident-free flying...." https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/Or...adron-History/
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And another photo of the one person to have 5 ejections (anyone else?). John, this event was apparently, the first UK F4 to exceed 1000 hrs (XT864), 29 Nov '72. Interesting that he went on his RN exchange tour probably pretty much after his NFWS "Topgun" tour (in '70-71 it seems) where he was one of the 2nd cadre (the one that replaced the founding instructors of that school).
On a medical-physiological level, how is one allowed the prospect of 5 ejections? I suppose if you do everything right and are within the sweetspot, (say 10,000ft and 250-300kts?) and with everything working perfectly, you could even turn this into a joyride?! (not!). Lortscher's 400ft RN F4 ejection does sound dodgy though.
High time, to hit your book John. By the way 2-3 of the dodgiest ejections in my book as a fighter a/c geek: John Squires' M1.7 ejection from a Lightning back in the 50s and any of a number of underwater ejections that have occurred over the years. Particularly, a couple where the carrier went over the plane with the pilots coming out the back past the propellers! This has happened with both RN and USN operations (if not with the French Navy etc). Here are a few dodgy ones: Underwater Aircraft Ejections. World Naval Ships Forums Archive
On a medical-physiological level, how is one allowed the prospect of 5 ejections? I suppose if you do everything right and are within the sweetspot, (say 10,000ft and 250-300kts?) and with everything working perfectly, you could even turn this into a joyride?! (not!). Lortscher's 400ft RN F4 ejection does sound dodgy though.
High time, to hit your book John. By the way 2-3 of the dodgiest ejections in my book as a fighter a/c geek: John Squires' M1.7 ejection from a Lightning back in the 50s and any of a number of underwater ejections that have occurred over the years. Particularly, a couple where the carrier went over the plane with the pilots coming out the back past the propellers! This has happened with both RN and USN operations (if not with the French Navy etc). Here are a few dodgy ones: Underwater Aircraft Ejections. World Naval Ships Forums Archive
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I have read that there are perhaps a limit to ejections these days, perhaps for medical reasons, having one's spine compacted is probably not easy to live with for some individuals. There are a few underwater ejection stories around the traps, here are a few, the A-7 story is a long screed:
YIKES! Night Underwater Ejection Corsair II A-7: https://www.ejectionsite.com/eunderh2o.htm
https://www.ejectionsite.com/ejecttriv.htm
Lowest Altitude Ejection: Submerged 10-20 feet - A British navy flyer, LT. Bruce Mackfarlane had an engine failure on takeoff, leading to an immediate ditching off the carrier HMS Albion. Surprisingly, he survived the water impact and was coherent enough to clearly recall seeing the water close over the canopy, and begin to darken as the aircraft began to decend into the depths. His training instincts took over and he yanked the canopy jetison handle with his left hand, and immediatly fired the seat with his right. At this point, his memory becomes understandibly blurred, but he recalls tumbling free of the seat, still underwater. He had the presence of mind to release his chute and activate his life vest. (He surfaced aft of the carrier, almost directly under the 'Angel' rescue helo, which had moved into a hover over the disturbance in the water from his aircraft splash. The helo crew reported seeing his aircraft pass in two pieces along either side of the hull of the carrier. This indicates that if the pilot had delayed his attempt to escape a few seconds, he would likely have been killed when the bow of the ship sliced his bird in half.
https://www.newindianexpress.com/opi...ion-83180.html
VIKRANT Cold Catapult Sea Hawk Pilot Ejects Undersea Escape OK
______________________
Barry tried to eject (the canopy goes) but an interlock issue meant the seat did not fire so he went under with the aircraft whilst HMAS Melbourne motored overhead. He waited a suitable time breathing emergency oxygen to get out & swim, popping out unscathed, demanding to be UNstretchered on deck. BOI calculations presumed if ejection was successful he would not have survived in the circumstances. His own words will follow soon....
Lieutenant Barry Evans ditching after a failed catapult launch [A4G Skyhawk MELBOURNE]
YIKES! Night Underwater Ejection Corsair II A-7: https://www.ejectionsite.com/eunderh2o.htm
https://www.ejectionsite.com/ejecttriv.htm
Lowest Altitude Ejection: Submerged 10-20 feet - A British navy flyer, LT. Bruce Mackfarlane had an engine failure on takeoff, leading to an immediate ditching off the carrier HMS Albion. Surprisingly, he survived the water impact and was coherent enough to clearly recall seeing the water close over the canopy, and begin to darken as the aircraft began to decend into the depths. His training instincts took over and he yanked the canopy jetison handle with his left hand, and immediatly fired the seat with his right. At this point, his memory becomes understandibly blurred, but he recalls tumbling free of the seat, still underwater. He had the presence of mind to release his chute and activate his life vest. (He surfaced aft of the carrier, almost directly under the 'Angel' rescue helo, which had moved into a hover over the disturbance in the water from his aircraft splash. The helo crew reported seeing his aircraft pass in two pieces along either side of the hull of the carrier. This indicates that if the pilot had delayed his attempt to escape a few seconds, he would likely have been killed when the bow of the ship sliced his bird in half.
https://www.newindianexpress.com/opi...ion-83180.html
VIKRANT Cold Catapult Sea Hawk Pilot Ejects Undersea Escape OK
Barry tried to eject (the canopy goes) but an interlock issue meant the seat did not fire so he went under with the aircraft whilst HMAS Melbourne motored overhead. He waited a suitable time breathing emergency oxygen to get out & swim, popping out unscathed, demanding to be UNstretchered on deck.
BOI calculations presumed if ejection was successful he would not have survived in the circumstances. His own words will follow soon....Lieutenant Barry Evans ditching after a failed catapult launch [A4G Skyhawk MELBOURNE]
Last edited by SpazSinbad; 30th May 2023 at 00:28.
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