Brooklands Aviation Day 231108

Hi all,

Spent a nice couple of hours at Brooklands in crisp, but rather cold weather. I also had the great pleasure of meeting Duncan Simpson OBE, Harrier and Hawk Chief Test Pilot, who told me a remarkable story of ejecting from a Harrier at under 100ft after an engine failure, where there was no explosive coil on the canopy and therefore breaking his neck in the process!!

Anyway, the Camel engine run was a nice touch for our little crowd of about 40 people.

Some nice shots there Ben. Last one is very atmospheric.
Dean

Hi Ben

Looks like you had an interesting day there. I really must note such things on the calendar as it must have been in my newsletter ~ I have been a member of the Friends of Brooklands for ages

Ref Duncan Simpson ~ sounds like the early test planes lack significant combat ready refinements. I was always under the impression if they do not have the explosive tape/coil in the canopy they use ejector seats with 'horns' to break it and sometimes both methods, the obvious intention is to avoid injury to the pilot apart from a little spinal compression

Thanks Dean!
@Box Brownie: Regarding the canopy, IIRC he said that while the horns were present and correct, they didn't do their job properly, subcontracting their work to DS's Bone Dome !

Hi Ben

Thanks for the insight of the chat with him, sounds like a fascinating character to have met up with.

Edit - For all the problem he suffered I do not doubt that he and many 100's (maybe 1000's) of pilots owe their lives to "Martin Bakers" amazing product.