Bailout at 43,000

Colonel Hughes asks Major Peterson to join the ARDC team testing a downward ejection seat for B-47 bombardiers. The program is led by German scientist Dr. Franz Gruener, with Captain Jack Nolan also assigned to the team. The groundwork is laid for human trials after earlier tests with articulated dummies.

Initially the tests used articulated dummies, but human subjects are needed to validate the system. Captain Mike Cavallero volunteers for the first human test and suffers a broken neck when his parachute opens too early. He survives the incident and is hospitalized.

Lieutenant Edward Simmons is lined up as the next volunteer, with Major Paul Peterson scheduled to follow. The testing sequence is clearly defined, and the team plans to compare results across subjects.

Cavallero is hospitalized with appendicitis, which moves Paul up in the testing sequence as the next potential subject. The unexpected delay changes the timeline and accelerates Paul’s risk.

Captain Jack Nolan is killed in a B-47 crash, and as the bombardier involved, Paul might not have been able to escape if he had been aboard. Nolan's death underscores the program's risks and prompts a rapid reconsideration of test order.

Paul's wife, Carol, pleads with his commanding officer to release him from the commitment, expressing concern for their family. He wrestles with duty and danger, but the news of Nolan's death unsettles him and sways him toward continuing.

Paul reports for the test, and Colonel Hughes himself suits up before the flight. Paul argues that proving a bailout is possible from the high-speed bomber is worth the risk, aiming to save crews in the future.

Flying with Dr. Gruener, Paul ejects from the B-47 as the seat is tested. The test is designed to assess the practicality and reliability of the bailout from a fast, high-altitude bomber.

Ground observers request Paul to spread-eagle to confirm he is well, but he does not respond because he is intensely concentrating. After the ejection, ground crews realize he is fine and was simply absorbed in the task at hand.

Paul is recovered by the rescue launch and undergoes a medical check that clears him for the moment. The doctors confirm there are no serious injuries and he can continue with the program.

Paul is greeted by his wife Carol and their son Kit upon recovery. The family’s support reinforces his resolve to remain involved in the tests and the potential safety gains they represent.

With his family’s blessing, Paul commits to remaining with the program and completing the tests. He remains convinced that a successful bailout is possible from the high-speed bomber, underscoring his determination to prove the system works.