On Sun, 8 Jun 2008 14:04:35 -0500, "Viperdoc"
wrote in
:

The current ACES II seats are zero/zero (will get a good chute with zero
forward velocity and zero altitude).

What more could a guy ask? Interesting information.

It is generally felt that the parachute landing and wrong body position
cause the compression fractures, not the ejection itself.

I would think the injured pilot might be able to provide some input
about that. Have you ever examined any of the pilots who sustained
these types of injuries? But, I would expect that there have already
been some studies done on the issue.

Are the fractures generally in the nature of cracks, or are there
incidences of crushed bone fractures also? Wouldn't there be ruptured
disk injuries in addition to the fractures? I suppose it runs the
gamut. Of course, it still beats the alternative.

The seat senses the actual altitude and attitude, and this
determines when it separates, although manual separation is also an option.


So the seat separates from the 'chute at a programmed point. No sense
sizing the 'chute to carry the weight of the seat in addition to the
pilot.

You're not supposed to land on your feet, regardless.


What are you supposed to land on?

I was taught to hit with my feet, knees bent, and roll to dissipate
some of the impact energy laterally, but fortunately, I've never found
it necessary to try it.

I have seen several skydivers make standup or running touchdowns, but
I would expect their 'chutes to be significantly different from those
issued by the military.


This sure looks like a lot of fun:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sLE-jeBOm0