The ejector seat is still a subject of fascination for a lot of pilots, mainly those who have never been strapped to one. It’s often the opinion of folk not part of the small fast jet community that an ejection is a simple matter, you just pull the handle and ‘boom’ you’re safe.

The B58 Hustler

An ejector seat from the B-58 Hustler

Smarter than the average bear!

North American Aviation test pilot George Smith.

The F100

Vought A-7E-5-CV Corsair II

The USS Constellation during her 1964–1965 WESTPAC cruise

Images under Creative Commons licence with thanks to J Clear, USAF, USAF National Air Museum, US Navy archives, US Gov, Hanna–Barbera and Robert L. Lawson.