But on the other hand was the VC10 or Comet fitted with escape systems? exmpa

The VC10 K2 & K3 tanker variants were fitted with an extending escape chute utilising the forward port door – only five parachutes were to be carried and had to be donned prior to diving ‘down the hatch’. If PAX were carried, the chutes were stowed in the freight bay! The general consensus amongst the crews was that without it ( if you got through the door ! ) you would take an LP2 reading on the way and with it you had a 50/50 chance of hitting the port wing.

The system was eventually abandoned, thankfully having never been tested for real. In flight, the chute conveniently served as a holder for a bin liner for waste food etc 😀