Citation

Yacavone DW, Bason R, Borowsky MS. Aviat. Space Environ. Med. 1992; 63(4): 262-266.

Affiliation

Naval Safety Center, Naval Air Station, Norfolk, VA 23511-5796.

Comment In:

Aviat Space Environ Med 1992;63(10):934

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, Aerospace Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

1610334

Abstract

Two methods of ejection from tactical aircraft are commonly used: jettisoning the canopy prior to seat travel, and ejecting through a closed canopy. This report compares the ejection injury experience of Naval Aviation in each mode during January 1977-August 1990. During that period, 336 through-canopy and 580 canopy-jettison ejections were accomplished. The former group sustained 10.7% fatal injuries, and only 17.0% egressed injury-free. By comparison, the latter cohort incurred only 4.7% fatalities and fully 31.9% egressed without injury. Analysis of patterns of injuries confirms higher G-forces in through-canopy ejections, resulting in not only more injuries, but more severe injuries. In spite of these findings, we discuss the compelling tactical and financial reasons to consider through-canopy systems.

Language: en