Ken Duffey wrote in message ...
BUFDRVR wrote:

The K-36 seat has telescoping booms that extend REARWARDS - to stabilise the
seat - in much the same way as the small drogue chute on western designs.

I though it also had a wind blast deflector the popped up *in front* of the
seat?

BUFDRVR

"Stay on the bomb run boys, I'm gonna get those bomb doors open if it harelips
everyone on Bear Creek"

It does - a sort of telescoping arm between the pilots knees, with what looks like
a small mesh screen.

But looking at photos, it only seems to extend to groin/stomach height.

I'll see if I can find a photo.

I also read recently that the Martin-Baker seat on the Rafale had a device whereby
the pilot does not need to attach his ankles to the seat - it is all done
automatically.

This was supposed to be a wonder development - but the K-36 seat has had it
for years!

The version of the K36 was also to be found on the XB70 Valkurie. I
recall reading (in Wings i think) that the only survivor of a XB70
F104 mid air crash got his hand caught in the seats clamshells; when
he finally got his arm out and ejected the shell didn't close and he
recalls seeing the XB70 and F104 debris tumbling away from him through
the gap in the clamshells.