Paul,

Sounds... lively. I hope all four were recovered in usable condition?

In the one instance I observed (a very brief Naval Safety Center video clip of a cold cat shot off one of a carrier's waist cats) it appeared that all four souls were recovered successfully, although I suspect the helo crew was really pumping to do so. They may have had help from the planeguard destroyer's motor whaleboat, and it wouldn't surprise me if one or two of the crew came down "dry" on the deck after a swing in the straps. None of the aftermath was visible on the clip.

A very hairy situation, with maybe about 5 seconds from the crew's "shell out" decision until the bird hit the briny blue. Also quite a challenge for all of the rescuers to keep accurate count of seats, chutes, and souls, especially including where each soul finally lands.

--
Mike Kanze

"If voting could really change things, it would be illegal."

- Cynical comment posted in Revolution Books, New York City


"Paul J. Adam" wrote in message ...
In message , Mike Kanze
writes
Sidebar: Watching all 4 crew shell out of a Prowler in extremis is a bit like
watching the 82nd airborne leave for work. Seats and chutes all over the
place all at once. Especially colorful off a "cold" catapult shot.

Sounds... lively. I hope all four were recovered in usable condition?

--
The nation that makes a great distinction between its scholars and its
warriors, will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done
by fools.
-Thucydides


pauldotjdotadam[at]googlemail{dot}.com