Ejection

Question 1

Identify aircraft in the ADF fleet that are ejection-seat equipped

Answer 1

Fast Jets
High performance aircraft
PC- 9 - Martin baker Mk CH 11A
PC - 21 - Martin Baker Mk CH16C
Hawk - Martin baker Mk 10L
F/A-18 - SJU-9/10 - modified MB Mk10
F-35 - US16E (MB Mk16

Question 2

Describe a generic ejection sequence for a rocket powered ejection seat

Answer 2

Correct position
Pull ejection handle, harness retracts
Seat up rails, drogue gun fires
Drogue ‘chute stabilises seat
If below 10000ft main chute deploys, Pilot restraints released
Seat falls away, chute fully developed

Question 3

Identify the components and features of a generic ejection seat

Answer 3

Canopy breaker
Head box
BTRU
Ejection gun
Ejection handle
PSP
Rocket pack
Boyangs

Question 4

Demonstrate the correct posture and preparation fro per-meditated ejection

Answer 4

Looking straight ahead
Back against seat
Leg out front so no gap under thighs
Hands on ejection handle

Question 5

Describe factor that influence the effects of ejection on the body

Answer 5

Unprepared
Poor positioning
Airspeed
Unusual altitude
Occupant weight
Dynamic overshoot

Question 6

Describe the effects on the body and injuries that may occur during ejection

Answer 6

8% fatal
36% vertebral factors
76% bruises and abrasions

Canopy separation

• through canopy= neck and head injury
• MDC - Molten splatter, burns, ocular FB, tattooing

Separation phase

• wind blast - limb flail, # & dislocations, pulmonary injury, Loss of ALSE
• Dynamic overshoot - Femoral #
• Acceleration - vertebral, mandible, sternal # and neck injury

In seat phase
- high altitude: hypoxia, thermal injury, decompression illness, barotrauma

Parachute descent phase

• sudden deceleration, 8G at 10000ft
• contact with risers
• neck injury

Landing phase

• Lower limb injury
• impaling injuries
• cuts and abrasions
• burns
• drowning

Question 7

Describe the medical and administrative Mx of aircrew post- ejection

Answer 7

Actions after landing

• minimise movement
• expect a fracture somewhere
• await medical assistance
• Standard survival consideration apply

Retrieval of ejectees- apply EMST principles

• Primary survey DRABC
• Cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine protection
• Winch in stretcher
• Monitor, repeat 1 & 2rd survey
• preserve/quarantine all ALSE

Tx of vertebral injuries

• Initial: minimise movement, pain relief, Imaging
• Ongoing: TMUFF/UAMECR, Mobilise early with Physio, Back to flying expected after 3 months

MDC injury Mx

• IX: imaging, USS, Opthalmology review
• Prevention: visors down, eyes closed for canopy closure

IX

• plain full spine anterior/posterior and lateral films for all ejectees.
• face/skull films for MDC splatter
• Bloods, urine as per PM185
• CT, MRI, bone scan as indicated

Question 8

The correct ejection posture includes
A. Elbows tucked in
B. Feet on the floor
C. Head forward
D. One hand on the ejection handle

Answer 8

A. Elbow tucked in

Question 9

Correct parachute landing fall technique

Answer 9

5 points of contact

• balls of feet
• side of one leg
• thigh
• hip
• back of shoulder

Bend the knees, heels, together..

Question 10

How to minimise risk of ejection injury

Answer 10

Make ejection decision on the ground
Premeditated and prepared
Wings level, upward vector
Visors down
Restraints tight
Ejection posture
Parachute landing fall