FINN talks to Martin Baker about its life-saving ejector seats, including the latest MK18 model.

There are over 7,597 aircrew walking around today whose lives have been saved by a Martin Baker ejection seat.

This number has increased by nine since the end of last year, when we spoke to Martin Baker’s Harrison Smith about the company’s latest technology and more.

MK18

Smith demonstrated the MK18 Ejection Seat, which includes a neck protection feature – an inflatable device on the headrest that is activated on ejection, helping to stabilise the head and prevent neck injuries.

Smith said: “As well as a passive leg restraint, the seat also has passive arm restraint, using a system that essentially engulfs the pilot’s arms, stopping the flail. One of the key dangers when you’re ejecting at high speed is limb flail so it’s a real step forward.”

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