There has been very little change in the basic equipment and method of utilization for escape from inflight emergencies from the introduction of the parachute during World War I to the end of World War II. Escape from high performance aircraft, however, required the use of an ejection seat to insure clearance of the cockpit and external structures. Following World War II ejection seats were tested and installed in USAF aircraft and first used as a means of escape in 1949. The largest single cause of escape fatalities regardless of method of separation from the aircraft was violent impact with the ground. Inability to survive parachute water landings was the second leading cause. The majority of major injuries regardless of method of escape occurred during parachute landing. The most critical factor in determining the outcome of the escape is the amount of time available for completion of the sequence. This is borne out by the high fatality rate in escape attempts at low altitudes particularly below 500 feet. With the seat ejection system, however, many successful attempts have been made at low altitude that would not have been possible with conventional bailout. (Author)


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    Title :

    Trends in USAF Aircrew Escape


    Contributors:
    R. H. Shannon (author) / S. P. Chunn (author) / W. R. Detrick (author)

    Publication date :

    1964


    Size :

    2 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English