Yogi Bear Ejected at Mach

On March 21, 1962, the U.S. Air Force strapped a two-year-old black bear named Yogi into a B-58 Hustler escape capsule to test the bomber’s ejection system at extreme speed. The crew fired the capsule out at about 35,000 feet while the aircraft flew at roughly 870 mph, putting the bear through a supersonic bailout. Yogi survived and landed, proving the capsule could bring a living occupant down safely. Doctors later euthanized the bear so they could examine his internal organs for signs of damage.

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