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Hurricane Flats, Utah F-105D Thunderchief Ejection Seat Test B-Roll Footage July (1960)

1960 · Short film · 10 min

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Synopsis

This color silent film was shot as part of F-105D ejection seat tests. No test is shown, but the footage would likely have been intercut with an actual test, and then released to the Pentagon or the press. The slates indicate all the material was shot at the rocket sled facility at Hurricane Flats in Washington County, Utah on July 20, 1960. This seat used a Rocket/Catapult ROCAT system and was fully automated. Opening: Camera Slate for 'Ejection Seat.' Costumed dummy sits. Camera slate. Dummy fitted into an ejection seat that is held by a rope. A man sets up the test dummy, which is fully outfitted with helmet and flight suit. Dummy is placed in the seat, then placed upside down in the ejection seat, presumably to test strap arrangements (:08-1:56). A tower is nearby with telemetry antennas on it. A loudspeaker is affixed to the tower as well as a klaxon. Below the tower is a small blockhouse type building (1:57-3:58). A man receives a print out in the control room, probably in the blockhouse. Reel to reel tapes are adjusted inside a recording device or computer. Two operators in front of the thick glass of the blockhouse, with "Coleman" lab coats. One man uses a CB radio (or possibly speaking over the loudspeaker to give a warning" and then turns some switches on to initiate the test (3:59-5:55). A man uses a CB radio and then puts some switches on. At 6:15, the mock-up of the F-105's cockpit is seen on the rocket sled track. A sign next to it reads: Hurricane Supersonic…

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Details

Running time
10 minutes
Collection
Ephemeral Films

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