parachuting from a malaysian 777 ?, page-25

"A very complex system so I doubt it has been done since."

B1 bomber protoypes had injection capsule but were later converted to ejection seats.

U2/SR71 they were initially going to use injection capsule, however it was found to be too heavy and not required (first U2s had no ejection seat at all to save weight). With pressurized heat resistant space suit ejection from blackbird was possible up to Mach 1.0 over that speed likely to sustain serious injury or instant death.

There was one sad occurrence where pilot and RSO ejected out of a blackbird off California being used as a test bed for new drone which launched vertically off the top of a SR71

Unfortunately the drone didn't launch properly, destroyed rear section of the aircraft and both pilot and RSO ejected.

Both landed safely in water, however RSO died when he lifted visor of his helmet once in water, allowing water to rush into his pressurized suit and he sunk like a stone.

Ejection capsules are only benefit for space craft, lunch or reentry not really necessary for aircraft, even ones as fast and incredible as the SR71.



Kat.