A Periscope Film " TOUGH SLEDDING " NORTHROP CORPORATION ROCKET SLED GAG FILM 30554a >One of the most infamous "gag" films ever produced under the auspices of the Department of Defense, "Tough Sledding" was apparently created by the staff at Northrop Corporation in the late 1950s. No, we don't know what they were smoking! In this era Northrop was heavily engaged in conducting human factors research, and developing escape systems including ejection seats and parachutes for use in aircraft and spacecraft. This included the work of Dr. John Paul Stapp, who famously rode rocket sleds at Edwards AFB where he became known as the "Fastest Man on Earth". (Stapp also helped name "Murphy's Law" -- see "A History of Murphy's Law" on Amazon for more details). >Made by "Lower Rank Productions", "Tough Sledding" is a full color blast into irony, the kind of film that could only have been made in America. It's just surprising it emerged from the very conservative 1950s, where such artistic creations were often frowned upon. >Incidentally, the rocket sled shown is likely the one used for the T-38 Talon, which Northrop produced beginning in 1961. Apparently the system required a great deal of work to perfect...as this five minute wonder aptly demonstrates!