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Waterluvian
I don’t know anything about anything but it feels kind of amazing that all four ejected with good looking parachutes given the orientation of the conglomerated plane.
avalys
These are pretty expensive and specialized electronic warfare planes that are identical to a regular F18 in aerodynamic performance. Sucks to lose two of them for an airshow display. Isn’t that what the Blue Angels are for?
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gausswho
What an odd collision. The way they remain in tandem after contact is uncanny, almost as though they were not under direct control.
amelius
I wonder how you can make the decision to eject in such a short timespan.
arwhatever
That maneuver they were attempting looks WILD. Would have been amazing to have pulled of. Or, perhaps to have regularly pulled off until today. I'm guessing that must be some sort of vectored thrust trickery.
Groxx
Is there much of a way to recover from that kind of glomping? Kinda seems like the aerodynamics might hold them together (as the noses are somewhat pointed together), or with enough speed rip them apart chaotically since they're a bit skewed (which could be worse than ejecting early).

It seems pretty obvious that ejecting is the right choice either way, but it makes me wonder if there's any alternative in this kind of scenario.

Thaxll
Once again, thanks Martin-Baker, 4 lives saved.
ProAm
I cant wait to pay for that with my tax dollars.
ak217
What are Growlers doing performing aerobatic maneuvers at air shows? They have tens of millions in specialized extra equipment on board. Seems like a poor use of taxpayer money. Send regular F-18s, not the rare expensive ones that look the same.
Riany
That's good that all pilots ejected safely. But what if it fails? Still, losing two specialized aircraft during an airshow feels like very expensive, I doubt if it's really worth it to risks these pilots life on it
booleanbetrayal
Since the negative PR effects of exploding planes undermine the intended positive promotional aspects of conducting air shows, we should probably just halt and save money, right?
momo26
kudos to the Martin-Baker seats and the pilots' training, ejecting at that low altitude after a collision is incredibly hazardous. Using high-value electronic warfare assets for aerobatics seems like an unnecessary risk when regular Hornets could do the exact same job for the crowd.
tintor
Four people ejected.

What is the purpose of the second person in such plane, at the air show?

peteforde
It's crazy to me that Americans feel like they can't afford socialized healthcare, but performing tricks in $70M jets is something that must proceed at all costs.
anshumankmr
That was a gnarly stunt. Glad the pilots survived.
dude250711
Isn't making planes fly really close to each other an entirely optional activity?