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F-16 pilot experience with combat ejections during the Persian Gulf War
1USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks Air Force Base, TX.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Four F-16C pilots safely ejected during combat missions in Operation Desert Storm. The Advanced Concept Ejection System (ACES II) proved life-saving, with a combat ejection survival rate similar to peacetime rates.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Military Aviation Safety
- Human Factors in Egress Systems
Background:
- Most fighter aircraft ejection experience is from non-combat scenarios.
- Operation Desert Storm provided rare combat ejection data for F-16C aircraft.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pilot ejection experiences during combat operations in the F-16C.
- To assess the performance of the ACES II egress system in a combat environment.
- To compare combat ejection survival rates with peacetime rates.
Main Methods:
- Development and administration of a post-ejection questionnaire to four F-16C pilots.
- Review of ejection parameters and pilot recollections.
- Analysis of ACES II system performance during combat egress.
Main Results:
- All four pilots successfully ejected from F-16C aircraft during combat missions.
- No significant injuries were sustained by the pilots.
- The ACES II egress system was deemed life-saving in combat.
- Combat ejection survival rates were comparable to peacetime rates.
Conclusions:
- The ACES II egress system demonstrated effectiveness and survivability in combat situations.
- Combat ejections may involve quicker, more decisive pilot actions.
- Further investigation into combat egress factors is warranted.