Inaugurarea expoziției „«Mai rapid decât moartea». 70 de ani de la debutul catapultării unui pilot militar român”, la Muzeul Național de Istorie a României

The National Museum of Romanian History, in partnership with the National Museum of Romanian Aviation, Aripi Argintii Publishing House, and the AeroHistoria Association, announces the opening of the exhibition “FASTER THAN DEATH: 70 Years Since the First Ejection of a Romanian Military Pilot.” The event is set to take place on May 29, 2025, at 5:00 PM, at the museum’s location on Calea Victoriei no. 12, Bucharest.

Central to the exhibition is the ejection seat, a crucial component of modern military aircraft designed to save pilots in emergencies. Marking the 70th anniversary of the first ejection of a Romanian pilot, the exhibition holds historical and educational significance. It represents a pivotal moment in the history of Romanian military aviation. During the early days of modern, high-speed aircraft, the advent of ejection technology was a remarkable technological advancement and showcased an ongoing commitment to the safety of military pilots. It is vital for the younger generation to recognize and appreciate moments of courage, innovation, and technological progress like these.

Romania has played a defining role in the inception and development of the ejection seat. A Romanian, Anastase Dragomir, laid the groundwork for the concept in the 1920s. Additionally, Romania is one of only six countries globally that have designed and constructed their own ejection seat type. The exhibition pays tribute to all Romanian pilots who have risked their lives on dangerous missions throughout history. By showcasing ejection seats used by the Romanian Air Forces, along with various objects, documents, photographs, and testimonies from that time, visitors will have the opportunity to experience compelling stories and gain insight into the myriad challenges faced by military pilots.

The exhibition’s curators include Bogdan-Dumitru Mladin, a metal restoration expert, Gabriel Ivănescu, an expert in archaeological and historical-documentary heritage related to national aeronautics, and Alin Ionescu, who specializes in military aviation with jet engines and safety systems.

Key partners for this exhibition include the Romanian Air Force General Staff, Aerofina SA, Aerostar SA, Condor SA, the Tomis Constanța Modeling Association, the National Paratroopers Association of Romania, and Relics and Militaria.

The exhibition will run from May 29 to August 10, 2025, and will be open to visitors from Wednesday to Sunday, between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.