View from the control tower at Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, England, UK, of P-51D Mustangs of the 360th Fighter Squadron in sandbag revetments, 1944
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View from the control tower at Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, England, UK, of P-51D Mustangs of the 360th Fighter Squadron in sandbag revetments, 1944
The Supermarine Spiteful
Some good flying shots here.
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The F-111F Crew Escape Module was equipped with nuclear flash blindness protection shields, designed to safeguard the crew during a nuclear strike. With a single pull of a cable, aluminum articulating and hinged shields would rapidly snap into place, blocking intense light from the forward windshield. Each crew member's hatch also featured an aluminized rubber flexible shield that deployed accordion-style along an arcing track, ensuring complete isolation from the flash to prevent blindness.
For emergency visibility, a small "peekaboo" section in front of the pilot could be opened, positioned over the LCOS weapons sight. However, external visibility was not required for the F-111 to deliver its weapons or operate in auto or manual terrain-following radar (TFR) mode. Additionally, the cockpit had power plug options for special PLZT (Polarized Lead Zirconium Titanate) goggles, capable of darkening in milliseconds if a nuclear flash was detected—though these were rarely carried or used on the F-111F.
This fascinating detail highlights the aircraft's nuclear delivery capabilities, a reminder of Cold War-era preparedness. Fortunately, these systems never had to be used for their intended purpose.
Convair B-58 capsule ejection static test from the XB-58, (S/N 55-0661). (U.S. Air Force photo)
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B-58 Escape Capsule
When the B-58 Hustler entered service in 1961, the three crew members had typical ejection seats, but ejection from the Hustler at very high speed proved extremely dangerous. To improve aircrew survivability, the Stanley Aircraft Corp. developed an ejection capsule which was retrofitted into the aircraft in late 1962. It allowed aircrew to eject safely at twice the speed of sound and from as high as 70,000 feet.The capsule sealed the aircrew inside airtight clamshell doors, and air for the pressurized capsule came from the independent oxygen supply system. When activated, a harness system secured the occupant, and the clamshell doors closed. The occupant could either continue the ejection by firing the rocket motor or remain secure in the capsule until a lower altitude where he no longer needed a pressurized cabin. The pilot's capsule also had the control stick and other controls needed to fly the aircraft to a lower altitude. After ejection, a parachute lowered the entire capsule to the ground, and shock absorbers eased the impact. If the capsule landed in water, manually operated flotation cells turned it into a life raft and provided stability.
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Consolidated PB4Y-2 "Privateer". Single tail version of B-24 "Liberator", mostly used by U.S. Navy for coastal patrol.
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