Colt's Special Revolver for Airline Pilots

Published on July 24, 2025
Duration: 1:07

This video details the Experimental Colt Airline Pilot Revolver, developed in the early 1970s for pilots amidst a rise in hijackings. It highlights the unique Zytel plastic cylinder designed for single-use and specialized, brittle plaster of Paris projectiles intended to mitigate aircraft damage. The design addresses specific aviation security concerns of the era.

Quick Summary

The Experimental Colt Airline Pilot Revolver, developed in the early 1970s for airline pilots, featured a unique 6-round Zytel plastic cylinder designed for single-use. It fired specialized plaster of Paris projectiles housed in plastic sabots, engineered to disintegrate upon impact and prevent aircraft hull penetration, addressing critical aviation security concerns of the era.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Experimental Colt
  2. 00:13Arming Pilots and Safety Concerns
  3. 00:26The Zytel Cylinder Design
  4. 00:44Specialized Projectiles

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the Experimental Colt Airline Pilot Revolver?

Commissioned by Eastern Airlines in the early 1970s, this experimental Colt revolver was designed to arm pilots and co-pilots in response to a wave of airline hijackings, prioritizing aircraft safety.

What made the cylinder of the Experimental Colt Airline Pilot Revolver unique?

The revolver featured a unique Zytel (plastic) cylinder with steel sleeves, designed as a single-use component. After firing six rounds, the entire cylinder was intended to be discarded and replaced.

What type of ammunition did the Experimental Colt Airline Pilot Revolver use?

It used specialized projectiles made of plaster of Paris, housed in plastic sabots. These were designed to be brittle and disintegrate upon impact, preventing damage to the aircraft's interior.

What safety concerns did this revolver address?

The primary safety concern was preventing standard bullets from puncturing the aircraft's skin. The specialized design with brittle projectiles and a disposable cylinder aimed to mitigate this risk.

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