Russian pilot detonated grenade to avoid capture

[Blackcat1]

Just read this on BBC World news

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-42944357

[The Phantom]

That took b*lls to do!

But compared to the torture and death he would have suffered in the hands of those savages, he did the right thing.

[Blackcat1]

Yep took a lot of guts to do that. Desperate times.

[Drinkmat]

I'm hoping I never read of an aircraft of the Royal Air Force being shot down in that country.

[Stroudy]

I wonder which it really was. The Russia hero story, or the taken away and shot story?

[T_J]

I wonder which it really was. The Russia hero story, or the taken away and shot story?

The pilot detonated grenade(s) as his hiding position was overrun. Grenades are carried as standard in the combat vests. Apparently in the video the pilot can be heard shouting in Russian "This is for our lads" or "This one's for you" before detonating a grenade.



See 6:47 in following video where grenades are shown to the reporter.

[welshandy]

I know Pilots carry pistols for self defence, but thought it would be extremely dangerous to have a live Grenade in the Cockpit?

[Dazza37]

I know Pilots carry pistols for self defence, but thought it would be extremely dangerous to have a live Grenade in the Cockpit?

Fuse and explosive are stored separately on the pilots survival vest...

-Dazza

[Hendon Chipmunk]

I know Pilots carry pistols for self defence, but thought it would be extremely dangerous to have a live Grenade in the Cockpit?

Definite FOD hazard if that pin falls out!