I knew a B-52 EWO. If they ejected too low the EWO and radar navigator got turned into jam as they ejected downward.
I was a B-52G Gunner in the early 80's. The cockpit was divided up into 3 stations, Pilots (Pilot and Co-Pilot), up front on the main deck, of course, the defensive team (EWO and Gunner) on the aft main deck facing aft, and the Nav team (Navigator and Radar Navigator) on the lower deck facing forward. The Nav and Radar Nav had downward ejecting seats. needed a minimum of 200 ft AGL for them to eject and survive.
Nor sure what model this was, It was SAC. I got a tour through one in the MI UP.
It chilled me. I recall the EWO saying he flew backwards in the dark? My memory is not perfect. Maybe when he a navigator?
What chilled me?
1. The thermal curtains in the cockpit. The active planes on the runway had all but 2 pulled already they said. Those got pulled after wheels up? Why? Because the SAC base would be a fireball real soon.
2. Some nipple in the ceiling to receive the sextant to navigate because the satellites etc would be fried. The EWO was trained as a navigator also? Had to practice the sextant lots.
3. Downward looking radar. Why? If primary was already cratered then go on to secondary target.
Geez....
