[net.columbia] isn't the ET in the way of downward ejecting seats?

fleischer@viking.DEC (Bob, LJO2/E4, DTN 226-2323, PC Engineering) (02/25/86)

Henry Spencer writes:

> No, you can eject the lower-deck seats downward.  This is what's done
> on the B-52, which has two decks.  Of course, this means you need ejection
> hatches or blowaway panels or whatever on the underside.

At least in the case of the Shuttle, you'd need a blowaway ET as well.
In which case you might as well stay in the Shuttle.

I gather that an escape capsule, rather than just seats, would give greater
survivability.  Even if it were crowded, could the full crew (of 8) fit
in the space of the top deck?

		Bob Fleischer
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