There is a similar type of improvised stove eing used in some third world countries as a main cooking stove. A lot of aid organizations have tweaked and improved on the design and then go out and teach people how to build and use them. Here's an interesting webpage: http://www.efn.org/~apro/AT/attitlepage.html

When rocket stoves are built well, they give off less smoke, making them a great choice for cooking and statying warm inside a shelter. But they may be better suited for a calm camping trip, not a stressful survivl situation!