Do Pilots Carry Guns in the Cockpit?

The question of whether pilots carry guns in the cockpit is not a simple one. While certain scenarios necessitate the presence of firearms, the specifics vary widely depending on the airline, the region, and the nature of the mission. This article will delve into the reasons behind pilots carrying weapons, the types of firearms involved, and the realities of carrying a weapon during a critical moment such as an emergency ejection.

Reasons for Carrying Guns in the Cockpit

Pilots carrying guns onboard is not a common practice, but it does occur in some forms, particularly among combat pilots. These firearms are typically referred to as 'pilot weapons.' Their primary purposes are self-defense and survival in the event of an emergency landing in hostile territory.

In more extreme cases, pilots might need to navigate unaided through hostile regions to reach friendly territory. In such scenarios, a weapon can serve as a means of self-preservation or as a tool for hunting, especially when pilots land separately and attempt to retrieve a survival package from their crashed aircraft.

Historical Context and Types of Pilot Weapons

Historically, combat pilots have carried various types of firearms. For instance, the German M30 driling combination gun from World War II featured two shotgun barrels and one rifle barrel. Meanwhile, the M6 aircrew survival rifle, which was designed to be packaged with an ejecting aircrew, had a .22 Hornet barrel and a .410 shotgun barrel. These firearms were intended to serve dual purposes: defense and survival.

More reliably seen today are pistols and sub-machine guns (SMGs) or compact carbines. The Dutch combat pilots were issued the MP9, which is a compact option. Russia issued the APS machine pistol before switching to the PP-2000 SMG, and the USA continues with the GAU-5 folding carbine.

Modern Combat Pilots and Carrying Weapons

Modern combat pilots carry weapons during specific missions but not during routine training and non-combat scenarios. For instance, Navy pilots in specific operations would carry firearms if operating over hostile territory. The firearm of choice has been the Beretta 9mm, which is a reliable and widely used handgun.

During such missions, the Beretta 9mm is the primary weapon that pilots carry. However, it is not used for the typical shooting range activities. Instead, it serves as a defensive measure in the event of a forced landing in a hostile environment. Training on the usage and handling of the weapon is essential, with pilots receiving only limited rounds for qualification, typically around 50.

The protocol emphasizes the efficient use of the weapon, especially in critical situations. The advice often given is to aim the weapon rather than shoot, as hitting a target with a firearm is about maximizing the chance of hitting the intended target, particularly if the pilot is already in a compromised state such as ejection over enemy territory.

Survival and Ejection Scenarios

The most critical scenario is that of an emergency ejection over hostile territory. In such a scenario, the ejection from the aircraft is not a casual act; it is indicative of a severe and potentially life-threatening situation. Unlike planned special ops missions, an emergency ejection means the pilot is already in a dangerous and possibly life-threatening position.

Survival items in the pilot's equipment include a radio, which is the most essential item, but the pistol is often deemed the least useful. The primary focus during such an event is to survive and navigate to friendly territory, where help will hopefully be available. The weapon serves more as a last resort for self-defense or hunting, rather than as a primary survival tool.

Conclusion

While the practice of pilots carrying guns in the cockpit is not universal, in certain operational contexts, it is a necessity. The Beretta 9mm handgun is a commonly carried firearm in such scenarios, but its primary use is for survival and self-defense during emergency ejections. The details and specifics of this practice highlight the importance of preparedness and the multifaceted nature of a pilot's responsibility to ensure their own safety and survival.