What injuries can you get from ejecting from a fighter jet?

In our evaluation we found that ejection seat evacuation is associated with a relatively high incidence of spinal injuries. Overall, 56.3% of aircrew members in our evaluation had some form of spine injuries, such as a contusion. In total, 33.0% even experienced a spine fracture.



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Ejection is an important way for pilots to escape planes in case of emergency, but the incidence of injury accompanying ejection escape is also very high[1-3].

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Under most circumstances, no (except for some punishment to one's spine). An ejecting US Naval Aviator pilot will not normally suffer any disciplinary action.

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Your spine gets compressed as your butt moves upward while your head (and helmet) push downwards with an apparent weight of 50 pounds. There is a real risk of ruptured vertebral discs, even broken neck or back from being seated incorrectly, particularly with older model ejection seats.

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Ejecting from a plane takes no more than four seconds from the time the ejection handle is pulled. The exact amount of time depends on the seat model and the crewmember's body weight. Pulling the ejection handle on a seat sets off an explosive cartridge in the catapult gun, launching the ejection seat into the air.

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There's no fixed number – each individual is unique, as is the ejection that they endure. After ejection, a pilot will be given a full medical evaluation and it is down to that medical professional to advise whether it is recommended that the pilot continues to fly or not.

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Such parachutists are considered hors de combat and it is made a war crime to attack them in an interstate armed conflict under Additional Protocol I to the 1949 Geneva Conventions. However, firing on airborne forces who are descending by parachute (i.e. paratroopers) is not prohibited.

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Fighter jet pilots do carry guns in case they have to eject or land in enemy territory. The type of gun carried depends on the mission and can range from a handgun to an assault rifle. Generally, fighter jets are equipped with either a 9mm pistol or an M4 carbine rifle for self-defense if needed.

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