BAC Lightning ejection

"Ben Full" my name @NOSPAM.btinternet.com wrote in message
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"Ben Full" my name @NOSPAM.btinternet.com wrote in message
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I've been told if you were to eject from an English Electric/BAC
Lightning, the instrument panel could take your kneecaps off. Can
anyone confirm or deny?




My best friend's father had the 'pleasure' of ejecting from a
Lightning at RAF Coltishall in the late 70's. He still has both his
kneecaps. The medicals make sure that your buttock to knee length
is within limits to prevent this sort of thing. I think the cockpit
design team at BAC in Warton looked into it as well.

I believe the Mirage III, Maachi MB-326, and other aircraft had
similar issues. I definitely know my knees wouldn't clear a Maachi
panel, the Mirage though seemed to have sufficent room.

The story I'm told about the Mirages is that potential RAAF pilots
with leg issues would only be accepted if they agreed to the ejection
risk. How true that is another matter.

Interesting. I guess it will just make selection for certain types a bit
more rigid.

Exactly. Pilots considering various types should figure out up front what
they can reasonably fit into.

We have some really tall pilots around at work. You can tell
they arent fast jet boys though - some would certainly part company with
their knees. Not such a problem in helis or heavies.

I recall one Mirage pilot who was very large, no one could believe he could
squeeze into the cockpit.

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