roberts%tekfdi.fdi.tek.com@RELAY.CS.NET (Robert Stuart) (02/23/91)
From: Robert Stuart <roberts%tekfdi.fdi.tek.com@RELAY.CS.NET> The A-6 Intruder and EA-6B Prowler incorporate canopy cutters on the ejection seats and eject through the canopy. This is done intentionally. There has been concern that if one of these aircraft receives damage, or the canopy does not cleanly clear tha aircraft, then the canopy may be jammed directly over the cockpit area and the crew will eject into it. The A-6 has a rearward sliding canopy that moves on rails. The EA-6B has clamshell canopies. The chances of safe ejection by going through it rather than depending on clean separation are higher.