Colt's Special Revolver for Airline Pilots

Published on April 3, 2020
Duration: 7:15

This entry details the Colt Airline Pilot Revolver, a specialized firearm developed in the 1970s for airline pilots to address hijacking concerns. It highlights the unique design featuring a Zytel cylinder and plaster projectiles intended to minimize over-penetration risks. The guide also covers the operational safety protocol of separating the cylinder and frame when not in use, reflecting the experimental nature and historical context of this rare Colt prototype.

Quick Summary

The Colt Airline Pilot Revolver was an experimental firearm from the early 1970s designed to arm pilots against hijackings. It featured a unique Zytel cylinder and plaster projectiles in sabots, intended to incapacitate targets without damaging the aircraft. Safety protocols included separating the cylinder and frame when not in use.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Historical Context
  2. 02:11Design & Specialized Ammunition
  3. 04:08Operational Safety & Logistics
  4. 06:21Project Conclusion & Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the Colt Airline Pilot Revolver?

The Colt Airline Pilot Revolver was developed in the early 1970s for airline pilots to address hijacking concerns, featuring specialized ammunition designed to minimize over-penetration risks within an aircraft cabin.

What made the Colt Airline Pilot Revolver's ammunition unique?

Its ammunition featured projectiles made of plaster of Paris housed in plastic sabots. This design aimed for incapacitation without damaging aircraft structures, with the plaster intended to disintegrate upon impact with hard surfaces.

How was the Colt Airline Pilot Revolver designed for safety?

A key safety measure involved storing the cylinder and frame separately when not in flight. One pilot would carry the cylinder, and the other the frame, preventing unauthorized use or accidental discharge.

Why was the Colt Airline Pilot Revolver never mass-produced?

The project was ultimately shelved as airlines began to accept the Federal Sky Marshal program. Only a small number of these experimental revolvers were produced for trials.

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