Ejection Seats

[rickshaw]

An unusual topic but one which touches on most modern combat aircraft.

Martin Baker have an excellent website where they document thoroughly all their products, including of course their famous line of ejection seats.  Well worth a look!

http://www.martin-baker.com/products.aspx

[Mossie]

Yeah, it's very good, I've often used it as a referrence when painting bang seats, or selecting an appropriate one for a whiff.

[PR19_Kit]

Even better is to get a job where you GO there! 

I did that for about 15 years, having installed a test system for them in the early 90s. Their site at Denham is knee-deep in bang seats, obviously, and they have versions of most them in a sort of 3D 'library' for use by their Tech Support people. The only problem is cameras are totally banned. 

[Desertpilot]

You should go to Chalgrove, where they keep the Meteor. I go there about every other month. Jim Martin has two hangers full of "stuff" from the company.

[Mossie]

Do you have any pics of the Meteors?  I've wanted to build one of the T.7¹/₂'s for a while.

[PR19_Kit]

'Flypast Magazine' had a feature on M-B's Meteors about a year ago, with lots of piccies. I've got it of course, but goodness knows where it is in this museum of a house.....

[Mossie]

I occasionally pick up Flypast & I'm suprised if I missed that one, although I don't remember picking it up.  I'll have a look through the magazine stash tonight.

This is a good read, 'The Chalgrove Meteors', a pdf with the history & several pics of MB's various Meteors:
http://www.ejectorseats.co.uk/The-Chalgrove-meteors-_2_.pdf

[rickshaw]

I went looking today at Lunchtime on Evilbay for some new ejection seats for some models I'm working.  Why do some people sell seats in singles, some in doubles and some come with photo-etch, most don't?  Its annoying!   

[KJ_Lesnick]

When was the first American fighter fitted with an ejection seat?

[rickshaw]

When was the first American fighter fitted with an ejection seat?

I think, Kendra/Robynne you'll find your answer here.   

[KJ_Lesnick]

F-80

[Rheged]

I think Kit has a cautionary tale about an ejector seat, a lab and a brick wall or two.  Ask nicely and he might tell it, or at least post the link to it.  I'd post the link myself, but I'm using my father's laptop that is slower than continental drift.


MUCH later......read this page as a contribution to the topic
http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,37005.msg597623.html#msg597623

[PR19_Kit]

I think Kit has a cautionary tale about an ejector seat, a lab and a brick wall or two.  Ask nicely and he might tell it, or at least post the link to it.  I'd post the link myself, but I'm using my father's laptop that is slower than continental drift.


MUCH later......read this page as a contribution to the topic
http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,37005.msg597623.html#msg597623

Yes, that'll be the one. 

Fond memories, but I'm glad I don't have to do that stuff any more.

[sandiego89]

F-80

As a side note, as it did not reach service, the XP-54 first flew in 1943.  It had a downward firing system, something to do with a a big old pusher prop behind the cockpit....