F-35 pilots under 200 pounds 'are at a serious-level risk' of fatal whiplash if they have to eject

[unhappycamper]

http://www.businessinsider.com/f-35-pilots-under-200-pounds-are-at-a-serious-level-risk-of-fatal-whiplash-2015-10



F-35 pilots under 200 pounds 'are at a serious-level risk' of fatal whiplash if they have to eject
Jeremy Bender
Oct. 23, 2015, 11:23 PM

Problems with the F-35's ejection seat and helmet could make certain emergency escapes from the plane potentially fatal for pilots weighing less than 200 pounds, Roll Call reports.

Low-speed ejections from the aircraft, which could become necessary in emergencies during take-off or landing, could cause fatal whiplash or extreme injury because of ongoing issues with the ejection seat and the heavy weight of the F-35's helmet.

According to a written statement from an unnamed senior Air Force official cited by Roll Call, “pilots between 136 and 199 are at a serious-level risk” of injury or death when wearing the F-35's new helmet.

Previously, it was thought that low-speed ejections from the F-35 were only dangerous to pilots weighing less than 136 pounds. It was originally believed that the ejection seats, which are constructed by contractor Martin-Baker, was the primary culprit.

[TexasTowelie]

1. Isn't that wonderful?

We spend billions developing an airplane that the vast majority of our pilots cannot fly due to this issue. Does the word "Edsel" come to mind?

[exboyfil]

2. How many pilots weigh over 200#?

Air Force requirements are you must weigh less than 200# if you are 6 ft or shorter. Given that pilots also have additional physical requirements I have to doubt unless you have some weight lifters in the bunch, any pilots are over 200#.

[unhappycamper]

3. Better question: How many pilots weight less than 199#?

That's a big problem.