USN WWII Pilot's Survival Knife

[Flying10uk]

Is it a short blade for the purposes of cutting/breaking through the Perspex canopy of an aircraft?

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Sapper740]

Is it a short blade for the purposes of cutting/breaking through the Perspex canopy of an aircraft?

Not really, buy I guess it could be used as such, especially if the ejection seat failed. Post WWII development led to the creation of famous aircraft like the B-52 bomber and the Century Series (F100, 101, 102, 104, 105) Experiences found missions were taking place further inside enemy territory. Simultaneously, adversary powers like the Soviet Union produced newer, more capable air defense systems. These advancements meant one thing: Pilots were more likely to be shot down behind enemy lines. Recognizing this likelihood, the U.S Department of Defense issued a Military Specification: MIL-K-8662. Inside this document, first issued in October 1953, were the specifications that manufacturers would use to develop their versions of an Air Force Survival Knife. The knives were mainly designed as utility knives with some self defense and hunting uses.