"ESCAPE AND SURVIVE" B-58 HUSTLER SUPERSONIC BOMBER EJECTION POD DEVELOPMENT EJECTION SEATS 71472

Video Description

Support Our Channel : https://www.patreon.com/PeriscopeFilm Produced by the Stanley Aviation Corp. as part of their contract for Convair, "Escape and Survive" details the development of the escape capsule for the B-58 Hustler. Convair's B-58 was the first operational supersonic jet bomber capable of Mach 2 flight, and that aspect posed a unique challenge for aircrew survival. The solution was a large crew capsule that would eliminate the effects of wind blast. The film outlines the development of a fully encapsulated ejection system designed by Stanley Aviation for the supersonic B-58 bomber. As aircraft reached higher speeds and altitudes, traditional parachute ejection became unsafe, prompting the need for a new solution. The capsule provided total pressurization, its own oxygen supply, and protection from high-speed wind forces and extreme conditions. It was designed to ensure both safe ejection and post-landing survival, whether on land or water, in tropical or Arctic environments. The project underwent rigorous testing—including rocket sled trials, impact drops, and live-in survival experiments—before being successfully implemented, marking a significant advancement in aircrew safety and escape technology. 0:00 – As flight evolved, so did the need to safely escape disabled aircraft at high speeds, especially with the advent of supersonic jets. 1:22 – Human life is highly valued, leading to the development of better ejection systems to protect aircrew. 3:00 – In 1958, Stanley Aviation was chosen to design a fully enclosed ejection capsule for the B-58 bomber, replacing traditional open seats. 4:37 – The capsule featured its own pressure and oxygen systems, allowing pilots to fly in normal conditions and safely eject if needed. 6:03 – It offered better protection than pressure suits and minimized injury during high-speed ejection. 7:15 – The capsule also functioned as a survival pod, equipped for land or sea, tropical or Arctic conditions. 10:00 – Extensive testing began, including wind tunnels, rocket sleds, and human tolerance studies using dummies and athletes. 12:30 – Ejection rockets, parachutes, and impact systems were tested at Hurricane Mesa using high-speed sled tracks. 14:38 – Capsules were recovered, examined, and improved after each test. 17:24 – Landing impacts and water survival were tested through drops, flotation trials, and 3-day live-in experiments. 20:25 – Final tests proved reliability, leading to installation in B-58 aircraft. 21:02 – The project represents a major engineering achievement in pilot safety—ensuring escape and survival in extreme conditions. This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2K. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com