Ejection seat info needed

[Navy Chief]

OK, so I contacted the A-7 Association President about this question. He, in turn, passed my question to someone else. It's been weeks, and no information yet. I contacted a guy I know that has a website on ejection seats, but same problem with him..... no help, after several weeks.

So maybe someone here knows someone who can provide the information I seek? I am trying to find out exactly when NAVAIR began the changeover from the ESCAPAC seat, involving retrofitting their A-7E Corsair IIs with the SJU-8 seat? I know for a fact it was not too many years before the end of their service. I was with VA-83 during their transition from SLUFS to LAWN Darts, and remember the seat change. I just don't know the date when the directive came down. NC

[Mike71]

Hey Chief -

I think you might try getting hold of NAWC Pax PAO office for help. This must have been some type of service change for the community (can't remember what we called them in those days). Was the change done at depot level, AIMD or the squadron??

Anyway, PAO typically has a way of being a "PITA" in that they are charged with getting answers to public inquiry, and when they start trying to find an answer within their organization people know they have to try to help them.

Somewhere in the bowels of NAWC records for the old A-7 program office would be an answer I imagine. Some of those older GS engineers will likely try to help out the PAO.

Good luck --

[gray eagle]

Hey Pete,

This link may have tech info you seek.

Look at post #3 on this thread - hope this helps

http://www.zone-five.net/showthread....hlight=escapac

[Mike71]

Hey Pete,

This link may have tech info you seek.

Look at post #3 on this thread - hope this helps

http://www.zone-five.net/showthread....hlight=escapac

Great writeup! I am surprised that it was done at the squadron level though. I would think some metal/plumbing/wiring mod would have to be done, but what do I know?

[Navy Chief]

Great writeup! I am surprised that it was done at the squadron level though. I would think some metal/plumbing/wiring mod would have to be done, but what do I know?

Hi Mike,

I was with 83 when they did the retrofit, but I had just made CPO, and I was assigned as Line Div. Chief. So, although I wasn't involved with the work, I do remember there was some installation of, I believe, SMDC lines Shielded Mild Detonation Cord. Probably gas lines too, but not sure. Pete

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Hey Pete,

This link may have tech info you seek.

Look at post #3 on this thread - hope this helps

http://www.zone-five.net/showthread....hlight=escapac

Thanks for that. It is a HUGE help!!!!! Pete

[gray eagle]

Hi Mike,

I was with 83 when they did the retrofit, but I had just made CPO, and I was assigned as Line Div. Chief. So, although I wasn't involved with the work, I do remember there was some installation of, I believe, SMDC lines Shielded Mild Detonation Cord. Probably gas lines too, but not sure. Pete

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Thanks for that. It is a HUGE help!!!!! Pete

Glad it helped.