Hazard Military aircraft: Extrication of aircrew
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Hazard - Military aircraft: Extrication of aircrew ...... 3 Control measure - Access the cockpit ...... 3 Control measure - Make ejection seats safe ...... 5 Control measure - Extricate the aircrew ...... 5
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Hazard Knowledge
In normal conditions, only trained and competent technicians from the relevant military services should attempt to gain access to military aircraft. However, personnel may have to gain access under exceptional circumstances, where there is a risk to life.
Cockpit canopies
A military aircraft cockpit is covered and protected by a canopy. Canopies can weigh in the region of 100kg and are constructed from a strong, heavy and usually transparent material.
The emergency canopy release may be activated accidentally or by aircrew as personnel are approaching or working near the aircraft.
Ejection seats
When an aircraft is parked on the ground, safety devices, in the form of distinctive safety pins, are fitted to prevent the accidental actuation of the ejection seat. Following an emergency, the status of the ejection seats may be unknown.
If the seat guide rails projecting out of the canopy area are visible, it can indicate that the seats have fired from the cockpit and the aircrew may be some distance from the airframe. Personnel should not assume the ejection seats have activated successfully; for example, a two-seat aircraft may have had only one occupant, or a seat may have failed to operate.
Once initiated, the ejection sequence is fully automatic and cannot be stopped.
Control measure - Access the cockpit
Control measure knowledge
It may be necessary to seek specialist advice before attempting to access the cockpit of any military aircraft, especially as each type of aircraft will have its own design and mechanism. However, there are three methods for accessing the cockpit of a military aircraft – normal, emergency or forced
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Normal entry
Canopies can normally be opened by the aircrew using a manual, pneumatic, electronic or hydraulic system.
Canopies can also be opened by a release mechanism on the outside of the aircraft; the method and design of opening mechanisms varies depending on the type of aircraft.
Once a canopy is open it will need to be secured in place to prevent it from slamming shut, which could injure personnel or aircrew.
Emergency entry
This method of entry only applies to aircraft fitted with a miniature detonating cord (MDC) or linear cutting cord (LCC). If activated, an appropriate cordon around the cockpit is required and all personnel should face away from the canopy. If personnel need to operate the cable, all responders should be briefed and the cordon maintained. The cord can be extended by attaching a line to maintain cordon distances.
Instructions on how to open the canopy in an emergency will be written on the outside of the aircraft.
Forced entry
Forced entry using hydraulic rescue tools or crow bars should not be attempted under any circumstances. It is extremely difficult to assess the state of damage to an aircraft canopy following a crash. Forced entry could cause the canopy to ‘fire off' if the canopy frame is interfered with.
Although highly dangerous and not recommended, other methods of forced entry such as cutting into the canopy can be considered in extreme circumstance.
Strategic actions
Fire and rescue services should:
Make specialist advice available to personnel about military aircraft and how to access the cockpit
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Incident commanders should:
Take instruction from aircrew on safe access and release from the cockpit
Gain access using the most appropriate entry method
Establish an appropriate cordon if emergency access to the canopy is required
Control measure - Make ejection seats safe
Control measure knowledge
It is possible to make ejection seats safe, but this should be carried out under the guidance of a military aircraft specialist. Due to the extensive range of seat configurations, general training and familiarisation is difficult.
To make an ejection seat safe for rescue the firing sequence needs to be controlled. This is carried out by pinning the ejection handles using sear pins or by operating the safe seat lever.
Strategic actions
Fire and rescue services should:
Provide personnel with access to specialist military advice for making ejection seats safe
Tactical actions
Incident commanders should:
Seek specialist advice before making any attempt to make safe any ejection seat
Make ejection seats safe using approved techniques following specialist advice
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Control measure knowledge
This activity will involve operating in a very confined space and care should be taken not to accidentally operate any switches or equipment during extrication.
Records should be kept of all operational activity taken, and any movement of aircraft controls for investigation purposes.
The aircrew may need to be released from harnesses, cables and connectors prior to their extrication.
Having assessed the condition of the aircrew, and if it is not time-critical to extricate them, personnel should await medical assistance prior to extrication.
Strategic actions
Fire and rescue services should:
Provide all personnel with information and training on the safe extrication of pilots from military aircraft
Identify appropriate equipment to be used during the extrication of aircrew from military aircraft
Tactical actions
Incident commanders should:
Consider seeking medical assistance prior to extrication if time allows
Release aircrew harness starting at the head, work downwards releasing main harness last Ensure all cables and connectors are released before attempting to extricate pilot from cockpit Document any movement of aircraft controls at the earliest opportunity for investigation purposes
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