Reader M. J. sent me the link to this video. It looks to date from the 1950’s or early 1960’s, and provides a comic look at the development of the first ejection seats. It’s a bit hokey by today’s standards, but it’s still a lot of fun for aviation enthusiasts.
I think I met that test pilot (or his near relation) back in South Africa, while working on another aviation project . . . I remember the scowl, and the bad language!
Peter
Of course, behind the scenes: This
The one I saw in ROTC class in the early '60s was different. The tester was an Airman one-stripe. Had four ejections, smoking his cig more and more with each one. Last time, smoked it to his fingers. In the credits, he holds up his pack of cigs, points to it, and smiles really big. Doesn't seem to be at youtube.