NACES Ejection Seat

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navy aircrew common ejection seat.
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NAVY AIRCREW COMMON EJECTION SEAT (NACES)
Chapter Objective: Upon completion of this chapter, you will have a working knowledge of the Navy Aircrew
Common Ejection Seat (NACES), including functional description, physical description, component
identification, and maintenance concepts.
The incorporation of the Navy Aircrew Common Ejection Seat (NACES) in Navy aircraft represents a
significant improvement in ejection-seat design that takes advantage of the latest escape system technology.
The NACES system gives the aircrew improved chances for escape in all ejection situations, reduced potential
for injury, extended preventive maintenance intervals, and a significant reduction in life-cycle costs. This
Martin-Baker ejection seat will be fitted to the new Grumman F-14D Tomcat, the McDonnel Douglas/British
Aerospace T-45A Goshawk two-seat trainer, and the McDonnel Douglas F/A-18C and D aircraft.
The purpose of the common ejection seat is to ease the logistics and maintenance problems on the Navy's
inventory of aircraft. The new seat will increase the standardization and reliability of aircraft emergency escape
and aircrew and ground crew training. The electronically controlled NACES represents the state-of-the-art in
escape system technology, and it has been selected as the future standard of the U.S. Navy. The NACES series
was engineered from the outset for future growth potential. The ejection seat is designed for simple
reprogramming or modification to ensure that it maintains current technology.
As a senior AME, you already have the prerequisite knowledge and experience to understand ejection seat
theory. New ideas have been incorporated into the NACES. Now all that is required is your willingness to learn
these new ideas so that NACES characteristics become as familiar as previous Martin-Baker ejection seats.
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION AND COMPONENTS
Learning Objective: Recognize the functional and physical description of the NA-CES and the components
within the system.
The NACES system uses a flexible configuration to meet the exact requirements of the crew station designer.
Although this is a common ejection seat, the designator number for the seat versus aircraft types are different,
as shown below.
Although the physical description may differ between the seats used in the F-14D as compared to the F/A-18
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and T-45 (fig. 5-1), the functions of all the seats are the same. In this chapter we will use the F/A-18 ejection
seat to discuss system description, operation, function, and component identification.
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
WARNING
The emergency escape system incorporates several explosive cartridges and rockets containing propellant
charges. Inadvertent firing of any of these may result in serious or fatal injury to personnel on, or in the vicinity
of, the aircraft.
Figure 5-1.-Forward ejection seat; (A) right-hand view, (B) left-hand view.
Ejection control handle safety pins and safe/armed handles are provided to render the ejection seats safe when
the aircraft is parked between flights and at all other times on the ground. The ejection control handle safety
pins are removed by the aircrew before flight and installed by the plane captain after flight. Movement of the
safe/armed handle is the responsibility of the aircrew.
Before entering the cockpit, personnel should ensure that the correct safety precautions have been applied.
The F/A-18 aircraft is equipped with a type SJU-17(V)1/A ejection seat. The F/A-18D
aircraft is equipped with a type SJU-17(V)2/A and a type SJU-17(V)1 /A ejection seat installed in the forward
and aft cockpits, respectively. The seats are interconnected by a command sequencing system. The two types
of seat are essentially the same, but with differences to suit the two cockpit installations. For convenience, the
description that follows applies equally to both ejection seats, except where noted. Where reference is made to
the aft seat configuration on the F/A-18D, the description applies equally to the single seat (F/A-18C)
installation.
All NACES seats incorporate fully automatic electronic sequencing and are cartridge operated and rocket
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assisted. Safe escape is provided for most combinations of aircraft altitude, speed, attitude, and flight path
within the envelope of
Figure 5-1.-Forward ejection seat; (A) right-hand view, (B) left-hand view-Continued.
zero speed, zero altitude in a substantially level attitude to a maximum speed of 600 knots estimated air speed
(KEAS) between zero altitude and 50,000 feet.
Ejection is initiated by pulling a seat firing handle situated on the front of the seat bucket between the
occupant's thighs. The parachute container is fitted with canopy breakers to enable the seat to eject through the
canopy should the jettison system fail. After ejection, drogue deployment, man/seat separation, and parachute
deployment are automatically controlled by an onboard multimode electronic sequencer. A barostatic harness
release unit caters for partial or total failure of the electronic sequencer, and an emergency restraint release
(manual override) system provides a further backup in the event of failure of the barostatic release.
The seat is ejected by action of the gas pressure developed within a telescopic catapult when the cartridges are
ignited. An underseat rocket motor situated under the seat bucket is fired as the catapult reaches the end of its
stroke, and sustains the thrust of the catapult to carry the seat to a height sufficient to enable the parachute to
deploy even though ejection is initiated at zero speed, zero altitude in a substantially level attitude. The seat is
stabilized and the forward speed retarded by a drogue and bridle system, followed by automatic deployment of
the personnel parachute and separation of the occupant from the seat. Timing of all events after rocket motor
initiation is controlled by the electronic sequencer, which uses altitude and airspeed information to select the
correct mode of operation.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Each ejection seat, as installed in the aircraft, consists of five main assemblies. Each assembly is briefly
described in the following paragraphs: (See figure 5-2.)
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1. The catapult assembly is the means by which the ejection seat is secured to the aircraft structure during
normal flight, and provides the initial force necessary to eject the seat from the aircraft during emergency
conditions. The catapult assembly includes the barrel, ballistic latches, the piston, and the catapult manifold
valve.
2. The main beams assembly includes the top and bottom crossbeams, top latch assembly, shoulder harness
control handle, parachute deployment rocket motor, electronic sequencer, barostatic release unit, drogue
deployment catapult, two multipurpose initiators, time-delay mechanism, two pitot assemblies, two ballistic
manifolds, and two thermal batteries.
3. The seat bucket assembly includes the underseat rocket motor, lateral thrust motor, ejection control handle,
safe/armed handle, leg restraint snubbers, emergency restraint release handle, shoulder harness control lever,
seat height actuator switch, pin puller, and lower harness release mechanism.
4. The parachute assembly includes the parachute container and parachute canopy and drogue.
5. The seat survival kit assembly includes the lid assembly, emergency oxygen system, radio locator beacon,
and rucksack assembly.
Catapult Assembly
The catapult assembly (figs. 5-3 and 5-4) secures the ejection seat to the aircraft structure
Figure 5-2.-Forward ejection seat main assemblies.
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Figure 5-3.-Catapult assembly, forward seat.
to ensure location of the catapult in the correct cockpit (fig. 5-5). An interference arm mounted on one of the
guide rail brackets ensures that the correct main beams assembly is installed. A crossbeam secured to the barrel
provides an anchorage point for the RH ballistic manifold quick-disconnect lanyard. The top end fitting of the
barrel has a square aperture, the barrel latch, through which the plunger of the top latch mechanism fitted on
the seat main beam protrudes when the seat is installed on the catapult. A guide bushing, fitted in the internal
diameter of the top end fitting, is secured by three dowel screws; at the end of the catapult stroke, the dowel
screws are sheared by the head of the piston striking the guide bushing. The piston then separates from the
barrel, and the guide bushing remains on the piston (fig. 5-3).
BALLISTIC LATCHES.- Two ballistic latches are attached to the bottom end fitting by studs and nuts. Each
latch comprises a body, which is internally drilled to form a cylinder and contains a spring-loaded piston. When
operated during the ejection sequence, gas pressure from within the catapult acts on the latch pistons,
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Figure 5-4.-Ejection gun initiator (JAU-56/A) and catapult manifold valve.
and provides the initial power for the ejection of the seat. The catapult consists of an outer barrel and an inner
telescopic piston. The barrel is attached to the aircraft structure, and the piston and barrel are engaged at the
top end by the top latch plunger installed in the main beams assembly.
The catapult assembly is operated by explosive charges. Assembly operation is discussed later in this chapter.
BARREL.- The barrel is a built-up structure consisting of a light alloy tube to which are permanently attached
top and bottom end fittings. A housing situated towards the bottom end contains the secondary cartridge. Five
brackets support two guide rails bolted on the outboard sides of the tube. The bottom end fitting incorporates
the lower mounting bracket for attaching the catapult to the aircraft and studs for attachment of the ballistic
latches.
The upper mounting consists of a bracket clamped on the barrel towards the upper end. It incorporates an
interference shoulder on one side
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Figure 5-5.-Interference devices, forward and aft seats.
overcoming the springs and retaining the multipurpose initiator lanyard spigots (fig. 5-3).
PISTON.- The piston consists of a light alloy tube, attached to the lower end of which is a necked end fitted
with piston rings to provide a gas seal between the piston and the barrel. At the upper end of the piston is a
breech, into which the cartridge-activated initiator is inserted. The breech has a groove machined around its
outer diameter, into which the plunger of the top latch mechanism on the seat main beams engages when the
seat is installed on the catapult. A V-groove in the top of the breech engages a dowel on the seat top crossbeam
when the seat is installed in the aircraft (fig. 5-3).
CATAPULT MANIFOLD VALVE.- The catapult manifold valve provides an interface between the ejection
seat and the catapult. The catapult manifold valve is mounted on the top of the catapult. The valve is locked
onto the cartridge-activated initiator by a spring-loaded plunger and a retaining pin. The valve contains two
inlet ports that connect the hoses from the time delays.
Main Beams Assembly
The main beams assembly is manufactured almost entirely from light alloy and comprises two parallel main
beams bridged by top and bottom crossbeams. Bolted to the inside face of each main beam are three slippers,
which engage in the guide rails on the catapult. Two-seat bucket runner guides are attached to the front face of
each main beam and accommodate the top and bottom seat bucket slippers. The slippers provide smooth
movement of the seat bucket and incorporate threaded studs for attachment of the seat bucket to the main
beams. Friction pads are incorporated in the studs to damp out lateral movement of the seat bucket. Drogue
bridle retaining channels are secured to the rear of both main beams. Locating pins for the parachute container
hooked brackets are bolted to the upper outside face of each main beam. Interference blocks on the right-hand
(RH) beam (forward seat) or left-hand (LH) beam (aft seat) correspond with interference devices on the
catapult and the seat bucket to ensure that only the correct assemblies are installed in forward and aft cockpits.
TOP CROSSBEAM.- The top crossbeam accepts and locates the top of the catapult, and takes the full thrust of
the catapult during ejection. Incorporated into the crossbeam is the upper drogue bridle release unit. A dowel in
the top crossbeam locates in one of the catapult breech V-grooves when the seat is installed in the aircraft.
BOTTOM CROSSBEAM.- The bottom crossbeam retains and separates the main beams at the bottom end.
Incorporated into the crossbeam is a gas passage that forms part of the drogue bridle release system.
TOP LATCH ASSEMBLY.- The seat structure is secured to the catapult by the top latch assembly (fig. 5-6)
fitted to the LH main beam. The assembly consists of a housing that contains a spring-loaded latch plunger, one
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end of which is shaped to engage the catapult piston. The plunger may be withdrawn by using the top latch
withdrawal tool (handwheel). Passing through the centre of the latch plunger is a spring-loaded indicator
plunger. When the ejection seat is fitted
Figure 5-6.-Operation of top latch assembly.
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Figure 5-7.-Shoulder harness control system.
to the catapult and the hand wheel removed, the latch plunger passes through the top crossbeam and engages
with the barrel latch. The shaped end of the plunger protrudes still further to engage the groove of the catapult
piston.
SHOULDER HARNESS CONTROL HANDLE.- The shoulder harness control handle (fig. 5-7) is located on
the left side of the seat bucket. The handle is connected to the inertia reel. In the aft position, the reel is
allowed to rotate freely. When the forward position is selected, straps will ratchet in, allowing no forward
movement.
SHOULDER HARNESS REEL.- The shoulder harness reel (fig. 5-8, view A) is fitted horizontally across the
front faces of the main beams and serves as a centre crossbeam for the main beams assembly, as well as a
means of securing the upper harness. It ensures that the occupant will be brought to, and locked in, the correct
posture for ejection. For normal flight operations, the shoulder harness is free to extend and retract as the
occupant moves in the ejection seat. The shoulder harness control lever on the LH side of the seat bucket can
be moved to the forward (locked) position, which will permit the
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Figure 5-8.-View A, shoulder harness reel; view B, shoulder harness reel, sectioned view. 5-9
harness straps to retract but prevent them from extending. When in the normal unlocked state, automatic locks
protect the occupant against rapid forward movement under high g-loading.
PARACHUTE DEPLOYMENT ROCKET MOTOR MK 122 MOD 0.- The parachute deployment rocket
motor (PDRM) (fig. 5-9) is mounted on the LH main beam of the seat. When initiated by the sequencer,
restraint release unit, or manual override (MOR) system, the PDRM extracts the personnel parachute from its
stowage by means of a withdrawal line attached to the deployment sleeve.
The PDRM is a sealed unit. It consists of a cylindrical body that contains a gas-operated secondary cartridge in
a breech at the lower end and a rocket with an integral gas-operated igniter cartridge in a barrel at the upper
end. In a parallel connected chamber is an electrically initiated primary cartridge. A gas inlet is connected by a
gas pipe to the harness release system.
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Figure 5-9.-Parachute deployment rocket motor (Mk 122Mod 0).
Fitted around the rocket is a sliding stirrup, which is connected to the parachute withdrawal line and is free to
slide down the rocket as it leaves the barrel.
ELECTRONIC SEQUENCER.- The NACES sequencer assembly (fig. 5-10) is composed of the sequencer,
connectors to the interface with pitot static and dynamic pressure sources, and cable loom sleeving. It is
mounted across the main beam assembly, below the parachute assembly. Upon activation, the sequencer
determines the ejection mode and controls the functions of the drogue release, parachute deployment, and
seat/man separation.
BAROSTATIC RELEASE UNIT (BRU).-
The barostatic release unit (fig. 5-11) provides a housing for the cartridge that provides the gas flow to initiate
harness release and parachute rocket deployment. The cartridge is activated either electrically by the sequencer
or by the right hand start switch (via the delay mechanism). The cartridge incorporates an aneroid capsule to
prevent mechanical initiation above a preset altitude. The cartridge may also be initiated by operation of the
MOR handle after ejection.
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Figure 5-10.-Electronic sequencer.
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Figure 5-11.-Barostatic release unit.
Barostat Assembly.- The barostat consists of an aneroid capsule in a housing that is screwed into the release
unit in a position that allows a peg attached to the capsule to engage a star wheel in the delay mechanism. At
altitudes in excess of the barostat rating, the peg engages the star wheel and prevents the delay mechanism
from operating. As altitude decreases, the capsule peg retracts and allows the mechanism to function.
Impulse Cartridge. - The impulse cartridge (CCU-102/A) provides the gas necessary for the functions of the
restraint release assembly.
DROGUE DEPLOYMENT CATAPULT.-
The drogue deployment catapult (fig. 5-12) is mounted outboard of the RH main beam of the ejection seat. Its
function is to deploy the stabilization drogue and bridle assembly rapidly without becoming entangled with the
seat. The firing of the drogue deployment catapult is controlled by the electronic sequencer to ensure that the
seat has cleared the aircraft before the drogue is deployed. The drogue deployment catapult consists of a
cylindrical body containing an electrically operated impulse cartridge (CCU-101/A), a two-piece telescopic
piston assembly, and an enlarged upper end, into which is fitted a drogue and canister assembly.
The drogue and canister assembly contains a 1.45mm (57-inch) diameter ribbon drogue, pressure packed into a
210mm (8.25-inch) long light alloy cylinder, closed at the upper end. The canister assembly is closed by an end
cap attached to the drogue strap. At the lower end of the end cap, a link assembly is attached by the same bolt
that secures the drogue strap. When installed on the ejection seat, the link assembly attaches to the drogue
bridle, and the canister assembly is retained in the body by a threaded locking ring. At the upper end of the
catapult body is riveted a threaded ring on to which the locking ring is screwed when installing the drogue
canister.
MULTIPURPOSE INITIATORS.- Two multipurpose initiators (IMP) (fig. 5-13) are attached to the lower outer
faces of the seat's main beams. During the ejection sequence, the IMPs supply gas pressure to operate the
barostatic release unit delay mechanism, the underseat rocket motor, the pitot deployment mechanisms, and the
internally mounted start switch assemblies.
Each IMP comprises a body, machined and drilled to accept a start switch, a static lanyard
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Figure 5-12.-Drogue deployment catapult. 5-12
Figure 5-13.-Multipurpose initiator, left-hand.
assembly, a spring-loaded firing pin, and an impulse cartridge. A gas passage through the unit body connects
the cartridge breech to the lower end of the start switch plunger. Incorporated into the unit body, but
mechanically separate, is a lower drogue bridle release unit.
The static lanyard assembly comprises a lanyard, pre-coiled into a cylindrical container and with special fittings
swaged on to each end. The upper end fitting incorporates a wedge-shaped disconnect device, which engages
with the lower end (similarly wedge-shaped) of a spring-loaded firing pin positioned below the cartridge. The
lower end fitting protrudes through the lower end of the body and is retained by a shear pin. When the seat is
installed on a catapult, the protruding lower end fitting locates in one of the catapult mounted ballistic latches.
The start switch assembly is installed vertically and comprises a series of metal sleeves and insulated sections to
form an electrical switch assembly. An internal plunger is partially sleeved with insulating material, has a short
gold-plated section, and incorporates a piston head at its lower end. Movement of the plunger before operation
is prevented by a shear pin. Two start switch assemblies are incorporated into the multipurpose initiators.
During ejection, the start switches supply a start signal to the sequencer at the correct time in the sequence.
The impulse cartridge is percussion operated by the firing pin and is screwed into a breech at the upper end of
the body. A gas gallery machined in the upper part of the cartridge ensures even distribution of gas pressure
when the cartridge fires.
TIME-DELAY MECHANISM.- The time delay mechanism consists of a spring-loaded rack assembly in mesh
with a gear train controlled by
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Figure 5-14.-Pitot assembly, right-hand.
an escapement. The gear train consists of a primary spur and pinion, a secondary spur and pinion, an idler
wheel, an escapement wheel and an escapement rocker.
The rack assembly consists of a rack end screwed into a slotted end. The two components are secured together
with a locking screw. The upper end of the rack end is shaped to form a firing pin.
To retain the rack in the cocked position, one face of a pawl in the bottom housing engages in the slotted end of
the rack assembly. Another face of the pawl engages in a groove in a gas-operated
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Figure 5-15.-Pitot assembly, operation.
piston installed in a housing attached to the lower part of the unit body. The piston is retained in position by a
frangible disc.
PITOT ASSEMBLIES- Two pitot assemblies (figs. 5-14 and 5-15) incorporating deployable pitot heads are
mounted on the main beams behind the parachute container. Removable covers are provided to prevent entry
of foreign bodies,
The pitot heads are maintained in the stowed position by locking mechanisms that are released during seat
ejection, as the seat separates from the catapult, by gas pressure from the multipurpose initiator cartridges.
When deployed, the pitot head assemblies supply dynamic pressure inputs to the electronic sequencer. Static
(base) pressure is supplied to the sequencer from the voids within the LH and RH main beams.
Each pitot assembly comprises a body, drilled and plugged to form a series of gas passages, and two cylinders
containing upper and lower pistons. A deployable pitot arm incorporating a pitot head is attached to the aft face
of a bracket, forming part of the body. Attached to the forward face of the bracket is a pitot connector that is
connected to the pitot head. A spring-loaded locking plunger, which locates in one of two holes in the body, is
installed inside the lower end of the pitot arm. The locking plunger locks the pitot arm in the stowed or
deployed positions. A separate passage in the body, incorporating connectors at each end and a filter, forms
part of the static pressure supply system for the sequencer.
BALLISTIC MANIFOLDS.- There are two ballistic manifold assemblies-right-hand and lefthand.
Manifold Assembly Right-Hand.- The right hand (RH) assembly is a gas distribution centre that is connected to
the seat bucket trombone tubes and incorporates the upper harness release piston, the ejection gas line quick
disconnect, and a housing for the bridle release cartridge. The assembly also provides a mounting for a delay
cartridge. The drogue bridle release impulse cartridge is installed in a threaded housing on the upper face. The
upper harness release piston protrudes from the manifold upper face.
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The lower face of the RH ballistic manifold (fig. 5-16) has four connectors. Two of these connectors
accommodate the RH seat initiation trombone tube (outboard) and the harness locks to release the trombone
tube (inboard). The connections are secured by a key-operated, quick release pin that passes through a hole in
the manifold and cutouts in the trombone tubes. The other two connectors accommodate the gas pipe from the
barostatic release unit and the gas pipe to the lower drogue bridle release mechanisms.
Manifold Assembly Left-Hand.- The left hand (LH) assembly is a gas distribution centre that is connected to
the seat bucket trombone tubes and houses a seat rocket initiation system check valve. The assembly also
provides a mounting for a delay cartridge.
The upper face of the LH ballistic manifold (fig. 5-17) has three socket connectors, to which are connected a
flexible hose to the LH pitot deployment mechanism, a rigid pipe from the RH multipurpose initiator, and a
delay initiator.
The lower face of the LH ballistic manifold has three socket connectors. Two of these connectors
accommodate the LH seat initiation trombone tube (outboard) and the underseat rocket motor trombone tube
(inboard). The other connector accommodates a gas pipe to the thermal batteries. A bracket on the front face
of the manifold accommodates the shoulder harness control mechanism torque shaft. A connection on the aft
face accepts a gas pipe from the LH multipurpose initiator.
THERMAL BATTERIES.- Two thermal batteries (fig. 5-18) supplying power for sequencer operation are
mounted together in a manifold on the LH main beam.
Seat Bucket Assembly
The seat bucket assembly (fig. 5-19) fits onto the lower portion of the main beams and
Figure 5-16.-Right-hand ballistic manifold. 5-16
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Figure 5-17.-Left-hand ballistic manifold, (F/A-18D).
Figure 5-18.-Thermal battery assembly.
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Figure 5-19.-Seat buckets to main beams.
mechanisms and provides a mounting for the survival kit assembly, rocket motor, and backpad assembly. The
seat bucket assembly is configured for a particular seat by adding application peculiar components, such as a
seat height actuator. The bucket is secured by four nuts to studs incorporated into sliding runners on the seat's
main beams. Interference devices on the rear of the seat bucket and on the main beams assembly ensure that
only the correct seat bucket is installed in forward and aft cockpits.
The back of the seat bucket contains a rigid, moulded pad that forms the back rest. It is contoured so that when
the seat occupant is automatically pulled back by the shoulder harness reel when ejection is initiated, he/she
assumes the correct posture. A cushion attached to the backrest provides additional comfort for the seat
occupant.
Contained within the lower rear corners of the seat bucket are the lower harness locks and release mechanism.
These are connected by a cross shaft and connecting links to the leg restraint line locks located in the side
plates. The same connecting links connect the negative-g strap lock that is situated in the floor of the seat
bucket to the rear of the seat firing handle. Half way up the inner face of the seat bucket sides are sticker clips.
The pin puller is mounted at the rear of the seat bucket on the lower right-hand side (fig. 5-2).
UNDERSEAT ROCKET MOTOR.- The underseat rocket motor (fig. 5-20) is a sealed unit and consists of a
manifold (machined, drilled, and threaded to accept ten propellant tubes), a lateral thrust motor tube, a
cartridge tube, and four efflux nozzles. The propellant tubes are
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Figure 5-21.-Operating controls.
Figure 5-20.-Underseat rocket motor Mk 123 Mod 0 (forward seat). 5-18
manufactured from seamless steel. The tubes contain solid propellant drilled lengthwise through the centre and
having three equally spaced ribs to provide rapid and even burning. A cross-shape grid is positioned between
the propellant and the manifold to ensure that the gas generated can pass unrestricted to the manifold. The
cartridge tube is internally threaded to accept a gas-operated igniter cartridge incorporating twin firing pins and
twin primers. A lateral thrust motor with an integral cartridge is screwed into the manifold at the LH end
(forward seat) or RH end (aft seat). The efflux nozzles are fitted under the manifold and are sealed at the inner
end by flanged blowout discs, which cause a pressure build-up to ensure rapid and even burning of the
propellant and an even thrust from the motor. Threaded holes in the manifold end plugs and a steady bracket
clamped to the lateral thrust motor are used to secure the motor under the seat bucket, The threaded holes in
the manifold end plugs vary in size between forward and aft seats to ensure location in the correct cockpit.
LATERAL THRUST MOTOR.- The lateral thrust motor (fig. 5-20) forms an integral part of the main rocket
motor, being screwed into the manifold. An igniter cartridge is initiated by gas pressure from the rocket motor
propellant and ignites the propellant in the lateral thrust motor to permit a divergent trajectory to the ejected
seat.
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EJECTION CONTROL HANDLE.- The ejection control handle (figs. 5-21 and 5-22) is located on the front of
the seat bucket. It is the only means by which ejection can be initiated. The handle is moulded in the shape of a
loop, and is connected to the sears of the ejection seat initiators. The seat initiators have two rigid lines that
connect to the trombone fittings. An upward pull of the loop removes both sears from the dual initiators to
initiate ejection. Either initiator can fire the seat. After ejection the handle remains attached to the seat. The
ejection control handle is made safe by using the ejection seat safe/arm handle and safety pin.
Figure 5-22.-Ejection control handle. 5-19
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Figure 5-23.-Locations of safety devices.
SAFE/ARMED HANDLE.- The SAFE/ARMED handle (figs. 5-21 and 5-23) is located on the RH side of the
seat bucket immediately forward of the emergency restraint release handle. Contained within the handle is a
catch that locks the handle in either the ARMED or SAFE position. The handle is connected to a linkage that
terminates in a safety plunger, which passes through the link of the ejection control handle when the handle is
in the SAFE position and prevents operation of the ejection control handle. When in the ARMED position, the
visible portion of the handle is coloured yellow and black stripes and engraved ARMED; when in the safe
position, the visible portion is coloured white and engraved SAFE. An electrical visual SAFE/ARMED
indicator is incorporated in the cockpit central warning panel, and is operated by a micro switch actuated by
the safety plunger.
LEG RESTRAINT SNUBBERS.- Two leg restraint line snubbers (fig. 5-24), each with a leg restraint line, are
attached to the front face of the seat bucket. Release of the leg restraint line snubbers to adjust the leg lines is
effected by pulling inboard on the fabric loops attached to the release plungers on the inboard side of each
snubber. The leg restraint lines taper plugs are secured in locks positioned on the seat bucket side plates.
EMERGENCY RESTRAINT RELEASE HANDLE.- The emergency restraint release
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Figure 5-24.-Leg restraint system.
handle (figs. 5-21, 5-25, and 5-26) is connected by two link assemblies to the lower harness lock release
mechanism and to a firing mechanism housed in the rear lower RH side of the seat bucket. The handle is locked
in the down position by a catch operated by a thumb button situated at the forward end of the handle;
depression of the thumb button allows the handle to be rotated rearward. Operation of the handle when the seat
is installed in the aircraft is restricted by the pin puller, and releases only the lower torso restraint and leg
restraint lines to permit emergency ground egress. On ejection, the pin puller is automatically disengaged from
the handle operating link.
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Figure 5-25.-Emergency restraint release system.
Operation of the emergency restraint release handle simultaneously operates the SAFE/ ARMED handle to the
SAFE position. In the event of automatic sequence failure, operation of the emergency restraint release handle
subsequent to ejection will fire a cartridge to operate the upper and lower harness locks and the parachute
deployment rocket motor.
SHOULDER HARNESS CONTROL LEVER.- The shoulder harness control lever (fig. 5-21) is attached to the
LH side of the seat bucket and is connected to the shoulder harness reel. When the lever is in the forward
position, the shoulder harness reel is locked, preventing all forward movement of the seat occupant. When
moved to the rear position, the seat occupant is free to move forward and backward. Should the seat occupant
move forward rapidly, however, the shoulder harness reel will lock and remain locked until the load on the
webbing straps is eased.
SEAT HEIGHT ACTUATOR SWITCH.-
The seat height actuator switch (fig. 5-21) is situated immediately forward of the shoulder harness control
lever. Forward movement of the switch toggle lowers the seat bucket, and rearward movement raises the seat
bucket. When released, the toggle assumes the centre OFF position.
PIN PULLER.- The pin puller (figs. 5-25 and 5-26) is installed on the aft right side of the seat bucket. Full aft
rotation of the manual override handle is prevented by the pin puller. A pin extended from the pin puller
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engages a slot in the manual override linkage. During the ejection sequence, gas pressure from the right-hand
seat initiator cartridge retracts the pin.
LOWER HARNESS RELEASE MECHANISM.- The lower harness release mechanism (fig. 5-26) includes the
two lower harness locks, the two leg restraint line locks, the negative-g strap lock, the emergency restraint
release piston housing, and associated connecting levers and linkages.
Figure 5-26.-Lower harness release mechanism.
Parachute Assembly
The parachute assembly (fig. 5-27) comprises a 6.2m (20-foot) GQ type 2000 personnel parachute packed,
together with a ribbon drogue, into a rigid container and connected to the parachute risers. The parachute risers
incorporate seawater activated release switches (SEAWARS) for attachment to the upper torso harness. These
switches will automatically release the occupant from his/her parachute following descent into seawater. The
parachute assembly is attached to the upper forward face of the ejection seat main beams. Some seats may
contain the GQ-5000 type parachute, depending on date of manufacture.
PARACHUTE CONTAINER.- The parachute container is of light alloy construction, with
canopy breakers fitted to each upper outboard side. The breakers on the forward seat are longer than those on
the aft seat. Two hooked brackets on the lower rear face of the container locate over pins on the main beams.
Brackets, integral with the rear of the canopy breakers, are bolted to brackets on the main beams. A shaped
headpad is attached to the front face of the container to provide head location during ejection. A hook and pile
fastener is fitted to the front face of the headpad to locate the parachute risers. The container is closed by a
rigid top cover, with a single lug on the RH side and two lugs on the LH side. The LH lugs deform during
parachute extraction, releasing the cover to permit rapid parachute deployment. A fairing on the LH rear
corner of the cover protects the parachute withdrawal line where it leaves the container.
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Figure 5-27.-Parachute assembly, forward seat. 5-24
PARACHUTE CANOPY AND DROGUE.-
The parachute canopy incorporates a crown bridle, at the apex of which is attached, via a short strap, a 1.5m
(60-inch) ribbon drogue. The parachute canopy and drogue are packed, drogue first, into a deployment bag, the
closed end of which is attached via a withdrawal line to the stirrup on the parachute deployment rocket.
Seat Survival Kit Assembly
The survival kit assembly (fig. 5-28) fits into the seat bucket and comprises a contoured rigid platform (lid
assembly), to which are attached an emergency oxygen system and a fabric survival package. A cushion on top
of the platform provides a firm and comfortable seat for the occupant.
The lid assembly is a rigid platform that incorporates the emergency oxygen system and lap belts. The lid
assembly also provides stowage for the radio beacon and mountings for the rucksack assembly. The lid
assembly is retained in position in the seat bucket by brackets at the front and lugs secured in the lower harness
locks at the rear, Attached to the lugs are two adjustable lap belts with integral quick-release fittings.
EMERGENCY OXYGEN SYSTEM.- An emergency oxygen cylinder, a pressure reducer, and associated
hardware are mounted on the underside of the lid assembly. A green manual operating handle is mounted on
the LH side of the assembly, and a cylinder contents gauge is on the inside face of the left-hand thigh support.
The
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Figure 5-28.-Seat survival kit assembly; (A) top view; (B) bottom view. 5-25
emergency oxygen system is automatically activated during ejection by a lanyard connected to the cockpit
floor. An oxygen/communications hose is connected to unions on the LH rear top of the lid assembly, and
provides connections between the seat occupant and the aircraft and survival kit systems.
RADIO LOCATOR BEACON.- A URT33A radio locator beacon is located in a cutout in the left thigh support.
The beacon is actuated during ejection by a lanyard connected to a common anchorage point with the
emergency oxygen lanyard.
RUCKSACK ASSEMBLY.- The rucksack assembly is attached to the underside of the lid assembly by five
fabric straps and a double cone and pin release system. The rucksack contains a life raft and the survival aids.
Yellow manual deployment handles mounted on the kit enable the occupant to deploy the rucksack and
contents onto a lowering line after seat/man separation. The LRU-23/P life raft inflates automatically on
rucksack assembly deployment.
COMPONENT OPERATION
The operation of each component and subsystem is discussed in the following paragraphs. The operation of the
system as a whole is discussed later in the chapter.
Catapult Assembly
Explosive charges are contained in an ejection gun initiator, JAU-56/A (figs. 5-3 and 5-4), and a secondary
cartridge. Gas pressure from the seat firing system or the aircraft command sequencing system operates twin
firing pins in the ejection gun initiator to fire the explosive charge.
Gas enters the manifold valve through one or both of the inlet ports, depresses the check valves, and passes
down through the vertical bore into the initiator. Gas pressure acts upon the twin firing pins in the initiator,
shearing the shear pins and forcing the firing pins down to strike the percussion caps and ignite the explosive
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filling. The gas pressure generated within the catapult-
1. Passes to the ballistic latches to operate the pistons, which retain the multipurpose initiator static lanyards.
2. Propels the catapult piston upwards. The initial movement of the piston forces the spring-loaded top latch
plunger out of the breech groove back into the barrel latch (fig. 5-4). The piston continues to rise, thrusting
against the top crossbeam of the seat, the upward movement causing the shaped end of the top latch plunger to
ride out of, and disengage from, the barrel latch. Further upward movement of the piston uncovers the
secondary cartridge, which is fired by the pressure and heat of the initiator gas. After approximately 38 inches
(965mm) of travel, the piston head strikes the guide bushing and shears the three dowel screws. After a further
4 inches (101mm) of travel, the piston separates from the barrel and moves away with the ejected seat.
Main Beams Assembly
The main beams assembly supports the major components of the ejection seat. The operation of the
components supported by the main beams assembly is discussed in the following paragraphs.
SHOULDER HARNESS CONTROL SYS-TEM.- When the ejection control handle is pulled, gas from the RH
seat initiation system is piped into the breech to operate the cartridge. The gas also passes to the operating
piston in the governor housing, forcing it upwards to operate the trip lever and bring the locking pawl into
contact with the ratchet wheel.
The gas from the impulse cartridge in the breech impinges on the end of the piston forcing it along the cylinder.
Horizontal movement of the piston is transmitted via the threaded drive screw to rotate the splined shaft, spool
assemblies, and ratchet wheel, which winds in the webbing straps to pull back and restrain the occupant's
shoulders. The engaged locking pawl locks the spools in the restrained position.
Withdrawal of the webbing straps at excessive speed causes the two governor pawls to rotate outwards under
centrifugal force and engage the teeth on the housing, preventing rotation of the splined shaft and spool
assemblies and further withdrawal of the straps. This system prevents the occupant from being thrown forward
on crash landing or sudden deceleration if the shoulder harness control lever is in the disengaged position.
Easing of tension on the webbing straps allows the pawl springs to reassert themselves and disengage the pawls
from the teeth, permitting free withdrawal of the straps again.
PARACHUTE DEPLOYMENT ROCKET MOTOR.- Upon seat ejection, gas pressure from
the primary and secondary cartridges passes to the rocket igniter cartridge to fire the rocket, shearing the flange
of the rocket igniter cartridge. As the rocket moves upward, the stirrup slides down the rocket and aligns itself
directly below the thrust axis line to extract and deploy the personnel parachute.
In the event of sequencer failure, gas entering the unit through the gas inlet ports from the harness release unit
cartridge or the emergency restraint release cartridge will initiate the secondary cartridge to face fire the
primary.
ELECTRONIC SEQUENCER.- When the ejection seat is fired, two onboard thermal batteries are immediately
energized, supplying usable electrical power to the sequencer after just 100 milliseconds, with the seat having
travelled about 5 inches up the ejection catapult. The sequencer's microprocessors then run through an
initialisation routine, and by 120 milliseconds the sequencer is ready and waiting to perform.
As the seat rises from the cockpit, two steel cables (approximately 42 inches) are pulled from the multipurpose
initiators, actuating two pyrotechnic cartridges. The gas generated by these two cartridges is piped around the
seat to perform the following functions:
Initiate the underseat rocket motor.
Deploy the pitot tubes from the sides of the seat headbox.
Close two electrical switches (sequencer "start" switches).
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The sequencer responds to the closure of either start switch by changing to the "ejection" mode. The switch
starts an electronic clock, and all subsequent events are timed from this point. In the absence of a start switch
signal, the sequencer will simply continue in the "wait" mode. This mode is a safety feature designed to ensure
that the drogue and parachute can only be deployed after the seat has physically separated from the aircraft.
The ignition of the underseat rocket motor is timed to occur just as the seat separates from the ejection
catapult, at about 200 milliseconds, so as to maintain a uniform vertical acceleration profile on the seat and
occupant. The motor has a burn time of 250 milliseconds. Once the sequencer is switched into the "ejection"
mode, its first action is to electrically fire the drogue deployment canister, which occurs precisely 40
milliseconds after start switch (approximately 220 milliseconds from seat initiation), while the seat rocket
motor is burning. This happens regardless of the speed and altitude conditions.
The sequencer then enters its most crucial period, when it will sense the seat's airspeed and altitude and choose
the appropriate timings from a set of five available sequences. This is done during a 60 millisecond
"environmental sensing time window" that starts just after the drogue canister is fired, and is completed before
the drogue is fully deployed and pulling on the back of the seat. The sequencer measures the speed and altitude
from the information it receives from three types of sensor: pitot pressure, base pressure, and accelerometer.
Several samples of each parameter are taken during the environmental window. These are used to determine
the ejection conditions. The sequencer then selects the appropriate timings for the remaining events, known as
"mode selection," and completes the sequence accordingly.
Overview of Sequencer Electronics and Hardware.- The electronic sequencer and its thermal batteries are
packaged in two separate units. The sequencer and associated electronics are contained in a cast aluminium
enclosure, which is mounted between the main seat beams directly beneath the parachute container headbox. A
total of nine shielded cables attached to the housing transmit electrical signals to and from the sequencer. The
input and output actions are as follows :
Input-
thermal battery power supply lines (2)
start switch circuits (2)
output-
drogue deployment canister squib-fire circuit
drogue bridle release squib-fire circuit
parachute extractor squib-fire circuit
seat harness release squib-fire circuit
seat harness release (backup) squib-fire circuit
The sequencer also has air pressure couplings to connect it to the two pitot pressure tubes on the headbox and
the two base pressure sensing points inside the main seat beams. A functional block diagram of the electronic circuitry
is given in fig. 5-29.
Modes of Operation.- The operational envelope of the NACES is divided into five zones, each of which is
associated with a particular timing sequence, known as modes. These timings provide the optimum seat
performance under all ejection conditions, both in terms of maximizing the survivable escape envelope and
minimizing the risk of occupant injury. Figure 5-30 shows the five zones on the speed versus altitude chart, and
table 5-1 gives the corresponding squib-fire timings.
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Figure 5-29.-NACES functional block diagram.
Figure 5-30.-Ejection modes.
Table 5-1.-Squib-Fire Event Times
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All times are References to ejection seat initiation. The start switches operated approximately 0.18 seconds
after initiation. N. B: This is a nominal time. The actual time will vary between 0.13 and 0.19 seconds.
In Mode 5 operation, altitude sensing is to recommence at 4.80 seconds, continuing until fall-through condition
(below 18,000 ft) is detected.
t = time interval between 4.80 seconds and fall-through-condition.
Mode 1 is designed for low-speed/low-altitude ejection conditions. The aim is to deploy the main parachute as
soon as practicable after the seat has separated from the aircraft. A drogue deceleration phase is not required so
the bridle releases are operated very quickly, thus ensuring that the deploying drogue and bridle assembly
moves rapidly clear of the seat in readiness for the immediate main parachute deployment. Modes 2, 3, and 4
cater for high-speed ejections at low and medium altitudes. These ejection conditions require a delay before the
parachute is deployed, to allow the velocity of the seat to reduce. The stabilizer drogue provides maximum
deceleration while maintaining the seat in the optimum attitude for the occupant. The sequence timings of
modes 2, 3, and 4 progressively extend the drogue phase with increasing speed and altitude so as to ensure that
the parachute extractor is fired only when the seat velocity has reduced to a suitable level. The drogue bridle is
jettisoned shortly after the parachute starts to deploy, both to avoid an entanglement and to allow the seat to
fall clear of the occupant.
Mode 5 is the high-altitude ejection sequence, in which deployment of the main parachute is delayed until the
drogue-stabilized seat falls through the 18,000-feet altitude boundary. This allows the occupant to be brought
down to a safer atmospheric condition in the shortest possible time. Once the parachute deployment sequence
is initiated, the seat performs in an identical manner to that of modes 2, 3, and 4.
BAROSTATIC RELEASE UNIT (BRU).-
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When the RH multipurpose initiator cartridge fires during ejection, gas pressure from the cartridge enters the
piston housing and moves the piston upwards, rupturing the frangible disc and allowing the pawl to pivot clear
of the rack assembly slotted end. When the altitude is such that the barostat is not restraining the mechanism,
the rack assembly will rise under the action of its spring, the rate of ascent being governed by the delay
mechanism. After the delay has elapsed, the rack disengages from the gear train and the firing pin rises rapidly
to strike the cartridge. If the cartridge has not previously been fired electrically by the sequencer, the gas
produced by the cartridge passes out of the BRU to operate the upper and lower-harness locks and the
secondary cartridge in the parachute deployment rocket motor.
DROGUE DEPLOYMENT CATAPULT.-
During ejection, the drogue deployment catapult fires and ejects the drogue and canister. As the drogue
deploys, the bridle breaks out of the frangible container and detaches from the channels on the main beams.
The drogue stabilizes and decelerates the seat. In the high-altitude mode, the seat descends rapidly on the
drogue to a predetermined altitude. The drogue bridle releases then operate, the personnel parachute deploys,
and the occupant separates from the seat. In all other modes, the upper and lower drogue bridle releases
operate after a short predetermined delay, as the personnel parachute deploys and seat/man separation occurs.
The impulse cartridge is fired by an electrical signal from the sequencer. Gas from the cartridge propels the
telescopic piston upwards, shearing the end cap rivets. Continued movement of the piston thrusts the canister
upwards, shearing the rivets in the threaded ring and propelling the canister and drogue assembly away from
the seat. The bridle is pulled from its frangible container and out of the channels on the seat's main beams. As
the bridle reaches full extension, inertia causes the canister to fly clear, and the drogue is extracted and
deployed to stabilize and decelerate the seat.
MULTIPURPOSE INITIATOR.- When ejection is initiated, the catapult ballistic latches operate to retain both
multipurpose initiator lanyard spigots. As the seat moves up the guide rails, the static lanyard spigots break the
shear pins and the lanyards pay out from the housings. When the lanyards become taut, the upper fittings
withdraw the firing pins against spring pressure until the wedge-shaped disconnect devices separate. The firing
pins move rapidly upward under spring pressure to fire the cartridges. The gas generated passes to the
underside of the piston heads on the start switch plungers. The plungers move up, shearing the shear pins, until
the gold plated portions of the plungers complete an electrical connection in the switch assemblies. Sequencer
timing then commences.
Gas from the cartridges also passes out of the units to the barostatic release unit (RH side only), the pitot
deployment mechanisms, and the under seat rocket motor.
PITOT ASSEMBLY.- When the pitot assembly is installed on the seat beam, the inboard static pressure
connector connects to a void in the seat beam. The sequencer is installed on the forward face of both pitot
assemblies and connects to the dynamic and forward static pressure connectors.
On ejection, gas pressure from the impulse cartridges in the multipurpose initiators enters the body and operates
the lower piston. Movement of the lower piston pushes the pitot arm locking plunger out of engagement with
the hole in the body, and at the same time, opens a gas passage to the upper piston. The upper piston moves
outward to move the pitot arm to the deployed position. The pitot arm locking plunger engages with the second
hole in the body and locks the pitot arm in the deployed position.
RH AND LH BALLISTIC MANIFOLDS.-
Pulling the ejection control handle withdraws the handle from its housing and both sears from the seat initiator
firing mechanisms to fire both impulse cartridges (fig. 5-31).
Gas pressure from the RH initiator cartridge withdraws the pin puller, freeing the emergency harness restraint
release linkage (figs. 5-32 and 5-33). RH gas pressure also passes to the following:
1. The shoulder harness reel to initiate harness retraction.
2. The thermal batteries.
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3. The 0.75-second (forward seat) delay cartridge-actuated initiator mounted on the LH ballistic manifold.
4. The 0.30-second (aft seat) delay cartridge-
Figure 5-31.-Seat initiator actuated initiator mounted on the RH ballistic manifold.
Figure 5-32.-Forward ejection seat gas flow diagram. 5-31
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Figure 5-33.-Aft ejection seat gas flow diagram.
Gas pressure from the LH impulse cartridge passes to the following:
1. The thermal batteries.
2. The 0.75-second (forward seat) or 0.30second (aft seat) delay cartridge-actuated initiator mounted on the
LH ballistic manifold, which passes gas to the LH inlet of the catapult manifold valve to initiate the catapult.
THERMAL BATTERIES.- To provide system redundancy, each battery is initiated independently by a

manifold-mounted, gas operated firing mechanism. Both firing mechanisms are initiated by gas pressure from
the seat initiator cartridges.
Seat Bucket Assembly
The ejection seat is fitted with a seat bucket assembly. The operation of the components supported by the seat
bucket assembly is discussed in the following paragraphs.
UNDER SEAT ROCKET MOTOR/LATERAL THRUST MOTOR.- The under seat rocket motor Mk 123 Mod
0 (forward seat) or Mk 124 Mod 0 (aft seat) is secured under the seat bucket, and is ignited as the catapult
nears the end of its stroke. The thrust is approximately 4,800 pounds for 0.25 second, and sustains the thrust of
the catapult to carry the seat to a height sufficient for a safe ejection. The thrust also provides the zero-zero
capabilities that ensure a safe ejection.
EJECTION SEAT SAFE/ARM HANDLE.- To prevent inadvertent seat ejection, an ejection seat safe/arm
handle is installed. To safety the seat, you must rotate the handle up and forward.
To arm the seat, you rotate the handle down and aft. When in the ARMED position, the portion of the handle
that is visible to the pilot is coloured yellow and black, with the word ARMED showing. In the SAFE position,
the visible portion of the handle is coloured white, with the word SAFE showing. By placing the handle to the
SAFE position, it causes a pin to be inserted into the ejection firing mechanism. This prevents withdrawal of the
sears from the dual-seat initiators.
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LEG RESTRAINT SNUBBERS.- As the seat travels up the guide rails during ejection, the leg restraint lines,
which are fixed to a floor bracket, are drawn through the snubbers. Inertia draws the legs against the front of
the seat bucket, and the legs are retained in this position by the leg restraint lines. When the lines become taut
and a predetermined load is attained, the special break rings fail and release the lines, leaving only a short loose
end protruding from the snubbers. The leg lines are restrained by the snubbers, and the legs secured until the
taper plugs are released from their locks when harness release occurs.
EMERGENCY RESTRAINT RELEASE HANDLE.- Rotation of the emergency restraint release handle to
permit emergency ground egress will rotate the cross shaft of the lower harness release mechanism to release
the lower harness locks, leg restraint line locks, and negative-g strap
lock. Full rotation of the handle to withdraw the sear of the firing unit is prevented by the pin puller engaging
the rear end of the slot in the emergency restraint release operating link.
SHOULDER HARNESS CONTROL LEVER.-
The shoulder harness control lever, mounted on the left side of the seat bucket, is connected to the inertia reel,
and provides manual control for the shoulder straps. In the forward position, the shoulder straps will be locked,
and in the aft position, the shoulder straps will be unlocked so the occupant will be free to turn and move
about.
SEAT HEIGHT ACTUATOR SWITCH.-
The seat height actuator switch controls electrical power to raise and lower the seat bucket to suit the needs of
the occupant.
PIN PULLER.- During ejection, gas from the RH seat initiator cartridge enters the pin puller plunger housing
and lifts the plunger out of engagement with the groove in the piston.
Movement of the plunger allows gas to enter the cylinder and withdraw the piston out of engagement with the
slot in the emergency restraint release operating link, the piston being held in the operated position by residual
gas pressure. The operating link is then disengaged from the lower harness release cross shaft by the action of a
spring-loaded plunger in the operating link guide bracket mounted on the seat bucket side.
LOWER HARNESS RELEASE MECHANISM.- When the sequencer fires the barostatic release unit
cartridge, the piston in the RH ballistic manifold acts on the harness reel cross-shaft lever. It rotates the cross
shaft to withdraw the plungers in the upper harness locks and release the shoulder harness reel straps. At the
same time, gas passes via the RH ballistic manifold down the RH trombone tube assembly, entering the
emergency restraint release piston housing and face-firing the cartridge. The combined gas pressure from the
two cartridges operates the emergency restraint release piston, operating the linkages to release the lower
harness locks, the leg restraint line locks, and the negative-g strap lock.
Parachute Canopy and Drogue
During the ejection sequence, the parachute deployment rocket motor fires, extends the withdrawal line, and
withdraws the parachute in its bag. The parachute canopy emerges from the bag, periphery first, followed
progressively by the remainder of the canopy and the drogue. The extractor rocket and bag clear the area. The
drogue and crown bridle impart a force on the canopy, proportional to airspeed, to inhibit full canopy inflation
until g-forces are reduced.
Rotation of the emergency restraint release handle to permit emergency ground egress will rotate the cross
shaft of the lower harness release mechanism to release the lower harness locks, leg restraint line locks, and
negative-g strap lock. Full rotation of the handle to withdraw the sear of the firing unit is prevented by the pin
puller engaging the rear end of the slot in the emergency restraint release operating link.
During ejection, gas from the RH seat initiator impulse cartridge enters the pin puller plunger housing and lifts
the plunger out of engagement with the groove in the piston. Movement of the plunger allows gas to enter the
cylinder and withdraw the piston out of engagement with the slot in the emergency restraint release operating
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link, the piston being held in the operated position by residual gas pressure. The operating link is then
disengaged from the lower harness release cross shaft by the action of a spring-loaded plunger in the operating
link guide bracket mounted on the seat bucket side.
Seat Survival Kit
The seat survival kit (SKU-7/A) operates automatically upon seat ejection. Kit components are maintained by
the PR rating. The SKU-7/A contains new equipment. Specific information on the new items was not available
at the time of development of this manual.
EJECTION SEQUENCE
When the ejection control handle is pulled (fig. 5-34), the sears are withdrawn from the seat initiator firing
mechanisms and the two impulse cartridges are fired.
Gas from the RH cartridge is piped as follows:
1. To the pin puller, which withdraws a piston from engagement in the lower operating link of the emergency
restraint release mechanism.
2. To the inboard connector of the command sequencing quick-disconnect on the RH ballistic
Figure 5-34.-Ejection seat gas flow (block diagram). 5-34
manifold to operate the command sequencing and canopy jettison systems.
3. To the 0.30-second delay cartridge-actuated initiator (aft seat only) on the RH ballistic manifold. Gas from
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the initiator passes to the RH inlet of the catapult manifold valve to initiate the catapult.
4. To the breech of the shoulder harness reel, where it fires the impulse cartridge to pull the seat occupant into
the correct position for ejection.
5. To the thermal batteries.
6. Via a check valve to the 0.75-second delay cartridge-actuated initiator on the LH ballistic manifold. Gas
from the initiator passes to the LH inlet of the catapult manifold valve to initiate the catapult.
7. If the seat (F/A-18D only) is command ejected (i.e., the ejection control handle on the other seat has been
pulled), gas from the command sequencing system enters the RH seat initiating system through the inboard
connector of the command sequencing quick-disconnect on the RH ballistic manifold, and operates as
described in 1 through 6 above. On the forward seat only, gas pressure also enters the outboard connector of
the command sequencing quick disconnect and is passed to the catapult manifold valve to initiate the catapult.
This gas pressure is also piped, via a check valve, to the shoulder harness reel and thermal batteries.
Gas from the LH cartridge is piped as follows:
1. To the thermal batteries.
2. To the 0.75-second delay, cartridge actuated initiator on the LH ballistic manifold. Gas from the initiator
passes to the LH inlet of the catapult manifold valve to initiate the catapult.
Gas from the delay initiator is piped to the ejection gun initiator via the manifold valve. Gas pressure developed
by the initiator passes down the catapult to operate the ballistic latches, retaining the IMP lanyard end fittings.
As the pressure increases within the catapult, the catapult piston rises, releases the top latch, and begins to
move the seat upwards. Further movement of the piston uncovers the catapult secondary impulse cartridge,
which is fired by the heat and pressure of the ejection gun initiator gas. Staggered firing of the catapult
cartridges provides a relatively even increase in gas pressure during catapult stroke to eliminate excessive
g-forces during ejection.
As the seat goes up the guide rails:
1. The IMP lanyards begin to withdraw.
2. Personal services between seat and aircraft are disconnected.
3. The emergency oxygen supply is initiated.
4. The URT-33A beacon is activated.
5. The leg restraint lines are drawn through the snubbers and restrain the occupants legs to the front of the seat
bucket. When the leg restraint lines become taut, the special break ring incorporated in each leg line fails, and
the lines are freed from the aircraft. Forward movement of the legs is prevented by the lines being restrained by
the snubbers.
Near the end of the catapult stroke, the IMP lanyards become taut and operate the firing mechanisms. Gas
pressure from the IMP cartridge passes:
1. To the start switch plungers. Closure of the start switches commences sequencer timing.
2. To the barostatic release unit release piston (from the RH IMP only).
3. To the pitot mechanisms to deploy the pitot heads.
4. Via the LH ballistic manifold and trombone tube to the underseat rocket motor. The rocket motor ignites,
sustaining the thrust of the catapult to carry the seat clear of the aircraft.
SEQUENCER MODES
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Electronic sequencer timing (table 5-2) commences when the start switches close. Mode selection is dependent
on altitude and airspeed parameters. (See figure 5-35.)
All modes. The start switches close after approximately 39 inches of seat travel and, after 0.04 second, the
drogue deploys onto the bridle to stabilize and decelerate the seat.
Mode 1, low speed - low altitude. The drogue bridle is released, the parachute deployment rocket motor fires to
deploy the personnel parachute, and the harness release system operates to free the occupant from the seat.
The occupant is momentarily held in the seat bucket by the sticker straps.
Modes 2, 3, and 4, medium and high speeds - low altitude and all speeds - medium altitude. The parachute
deployment rocket motor fires to deploy the parachute, the drogue bridle is released, and the harness release
system operates to free the occupant from the seat. The occupant is momentarily held in the seat bucket by the
sticker straps.
Table 5-2.-Sequencer Timings
Notes to Table 5-2
1. All times are referenced to seat catapult initiation. To obtain times referenced to sequencer start switches,
subtract 0.18 sec.
2. Mode selection environmental sensing takes place between 0.245 sec and 0.305 sec (8 microprocessor
cycles).
3. In Mode 5 operation, altitude sensing recommences at 4.80 see, continuing until the seat falls to 18000 ft. ´t´
= time interval between 4.80 sec and falling to 18000 ft.
4. Mode decision parameter values are stored in the on-board NOVRAM.
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Figure 5-35 Ejection Sequence
Mode 5, all speeds - high altitude. The drogue bridle remains connected until the seat has descended to 18,000
feet. This arrangement prevents prolonged exposure to low temperature and thin air and enables the occupant
to ride down in the seat, controlled by the drogue and supplied with emergency oxygen, to a more tolerable
altitude. The seat attitude will be horizontal with the occupant facing down. When the seat has descended to
18,000 feet, the drogue bridle is released, the parachute deployment rocket motor fires to deploy the personnel
parachute, and the harness release system operates to free the occupant from the seat. The occupant is
momentarily held in the seat bucket by the sticker clips.
All modes. The personnel parachute, when developed, lifts the occupant and survival kit from the seat, pulling
the sticker lugs from their clips. This arrangement ensures that there is no possibility of collision between seat
and occupant after separation.
ORGANIZATIONAL-LEVEL MAINTENANCE
Learning Objective: Identify the organizational-level maintenance philosophy for the NACES system.
The primary task of maintenance technicians is to keep the systems they are responsible for in an operational
condition. To achieve this goal, the technician must be proficient in the maintenance, removal, installation,
testing, and adjustment of system components. All of this must be performed in accordance with applicable
technical publications. Most importantly, all these functions must be done "safely."
Ejection seats and associated components are carefully designated, manufactured, and tested to ensure
dependable operation. This equipment must function properly the first time. Malfunction or failure to operate
usually results in severe injury or death to crew members. You must always use the utmost care in maintaining
escape system equipment. Strict compliance with the maintenance procedures presented in the MIMs and the
maintenance requirement cards (MRCs) are mandatory and cannot be overemphasized.
NOTE: The information presented in this chapter must NOT be used in place of information provided in the
MIMs.
With the increasing use of diverse and exotic (composite) materials in the manufacture of aircraft components,
it is imperative that the proper methods and materials be used to prevent and/or correct corrosion. NAVAIR
13-1-36,
39 of 44 28.05.2009 17:37
Organizational Maintenance with Illustrated Parts Breakdown Manual, has been developed to provide
specific instructions and repair actions for NACES seat components. It is an in-shop manual written to provide
the most complete and technically correct information available to the maintenance technician in one
publication. Remember, these manuals are your primary source of maintenance information.
SUMMARY
The Martin-Baker Navy Aircrew Common Ejection Seat (NACES) represents the very latest in escape system
technology. It has been designed to provide maximum personnel survivability, a high level of escape comfort,
total reliability, and ease of maintainability. For the first time in this field, the power of the microchip has been
harnessed to give the seat the unique ability to respond to the variable demands of an ejection situation in a
manner far more flexible than was possible with earlier mechanically controlled seats.
APPENDIX I GLOSSARY
ABO-Aviators breathing oxygen.
ACM-Air-cycle machine.
ACS-Air-conditioning system.
ADC-Air data computer.
AFC-Airframes change.
AIMD-Aircraft intermediate maintenance department.
ALLOY-A metal that is a mixture of two or more metals.
AMBIENT-Surrounding; adjacent to; next to. For example, ambient conditions are physical conditions of the
immediate area such as ambient temperature, ambient humidity, ambient pressure, etc.
AN-Air Force-Navy (standard or specification).
ANOXIA-A complete lack of oxygen in the blood stream.
APU-Auxiliary power unit.
BIT-Built-in tester.
BLEED AIR-Hot, high-pressure air, taken from the compressor section of a jet engine.
BRU-Barostatic release unit.
CAD-Cartridge and cartridge-actuated devices.
CAUTION-An operating procedure, practice, etc., that if not strictly observed could result in damage to or
destruction of equipment.
CCU-Component control unit.
CDI-Collateral duty inspector.
CELSIUS-A temperature scale using 0 as the freezing point of water and 100 as the boiling point. The scale has
100 equal divisions between the 0 and 100 with each division designated a degree. A reading is usually written
in an abbreviated form; for example, 75°C. This scale was formerly known as the centigrade scale, but it was
renamed in recognition of Anders Celsius, the Swedish astronomer who devised the scale.
CF3Br-The chemical symbol for trifluorobromomethane.
40 of 44 28.05.2009 17:37
CNO-Chief of Naval Operations.
CONTAMINANT-An impurity such as harmful foreign matter in a fluid.
DODIC-Department of Defence Information Code.
DTG-Date-time group.
ECS-Environmental control systems.
EI-Engineering investigation.
FCDC-Flexible confined detonating cord.
FLSC-Flexible linear shaped charge.
GPM-gallons per minute.
Hg-Mercury.
IMA-Intermediate maintenance activity.
IMP-Initiator multi-purpose.
IPB-Illustrated parts breakdown.
JULIAN DATE-The year and numerical day of the year identified by four numeric characters. The first
character indicates the year, and the remaining three characters specify the day of the year. For example, 3030
indicates the 30th day of 1983.
KINKED-A twist or curl, as in cable, wire, or tubing, caused by its doubling or bending upon itself.
LOX-Liquid oxygen.
LRU-Leg restraint unit.
MAINTENANCE-The function of retaining material in or restoring it to a serviceable condition.
MBEU-Martin-Baker Ejection Unit (seat).
MIM-Maintenance Instruction Manual.
MRC-Maintenance Requirement Card.
MULTIMETER-An instrument used for measuring resistance, voltage, or amperage.
NACES-Naval aircrew escape system.
NADEP-Naval Aviation Depot.
NATOPS-Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization.
NAVAIRSYSCOM-NAVAIR; NA (Naval Air Systems Command).
NFO-Naval flight officer.
NOMENCLATURE-A system of names; systematic naming.
NOTE-An operating procedure, condition, etc., which, because of its importance, is essential to highlight.
NSN-National stock number.
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OPNAV-Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.
OXIDATION-That process by which oxygen unites with some other substance, causing rust or corrosion.
PHYSIOLOGICAL-Of or pertaining to the body.
PRESSURE-The amount of force distributed over each unit of area. Pressure is expressed in pounds per square
inch (psi).
PSI-Pounds per square inch.
PSIA-Pounds per square inch absolute.
PSIG-Pounds per square inch gauge.
PSYCHOLOGICAL-Pertaining to, or derived from the mind or emotions.
RAC-Rapid action change.
SAFETY WIRE/LOCKWIRE-A wire set into a component to lock movable parts into a safe, secure position.
SDLM-Standard depot-level maintenance.
SE-Support equipment. All the equipment on the ground needed to support aircraft in a state of readiness for
flight. Formerly ground support equipment (GSE).
SERVICING-The filling of an aircraft with consumables such as fuel, oil, and compressed gases to
predetermined levels, pressure, quantities, or weights.
SJU-Seat jettison unit.
SMDC-Shielded mild detonating cord.
SOLVENT-A liquid that dissolves other substances.
SPCC-Ships Parts Control Center.
TENSION-A force or pressure exerting a pull or resistance.
TM-Type maintenance.
T/M/S-Type/model/series.
TORQUE-A turning or twisting force.
TOXIC-Harmful, destructive, deadly; poisonous.
VOLATILE LIQUIDS-Liquids that are readily vaporizable at relatively low temperatures. Explosive liquids.
WARNING-An operating procedure, practice, etc., that if not followed correctly could result in personal injury
or loss or life.
WORK-The transference of energy from one body or system to another. That which is accomplished by a force
acting through a distance.
APPENDIX II
References
CHAPTER 1
42 of 44 28.05.2009 17:37
Aviators Breathing Oxygen Surveillance Program and Field Guide, AG-332AO-GYD-000, Naval Air Systems
Command, Washington, D.C., October 1985.
General Use Cartridges and Cartridge-Actuated Devices (CADS) for Aircraft and Associated Equipment,
NAVAIR 11-100-1.1, Naval Air Systems Command, Washington, D.C., September 1984.
Cartridges and Cartridge-Actuated Devices (CADS) for Unique Aircraft Systems, NAVAIR 11-100-1.2,
Naval Air Systems Command, Washington, D.C., September 1984.
Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP), OPNAVINST 4790.2 (series), Vol II, Office of the Chief of
Naval Operations, Washington, D.C., January 1989.
NAVOSH Programs Manual for Forces Afloat, OPNAVINST 5100.19B, Department of the Navy, Office of
the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C., April 1989.
NAVAIROSH Requirements for the Shore Establishment, NAVAIR A1-NASOH-SAF-0001P-5100.1, Naval

Air Systems Command, Washington, D.C., February 1986.
CHAPTER 2
F/A-18 Seat, Canopy, Survival Equipment, and Boarding Ladder, A1-F18AC-120-100, Naval Air Systems
Command, Washington, D.C., August 1988.
F/A-18 Seat, Canopy, Survival Equipment, and Boarding Ladder, A1-F18AC-120-300, Naval Air Systems
Command, Washington, D.C., August 1988.
General Use Cartridges and Cartridge-Actuated Devices for Aircraft and Associated Equipment, NAVAIR
11-100-1.1, Chapter 1, Naval Air Systems Command, Washington, D.C., September 1984.
Principles of Operation Environmental Control System, A1-F18AA-410-100, Work Packages 008 00,012 00,
and 013 00, Naval Air Systems Command, Washington, D.C., March 1980.
AII-1
CHAPTER 3
P-3 Utility Systems, NAVAIR 01-75PAA-2-2.4, Naval Air Systems Command, Washington, D.C., January
1988.
A-6 Environmental Control Systems, NAVAIR 01-85ADF-2-2.5.1, Naval Air Systems Command, Washington,
D.C., August 1988.
Escape and Survival Systems, NAVAIR 01-85ADF-2-2.4, Naval Air Systems Command, Washington, D.C.,
May 1987.
Utility, Environmental and Personnel Survival Equipment, NAVAIR 01-85WBA-2-2.4, Section II, Naval Air
Systems Command, Washington, D.C., April 1981.
CHAPTER 4
Navy Electricity and Electronics Training Series, NAVEDTRA 172-03-00-85, Module 3, Chapter 1, Naval
Education and Training Program Development Centre, Pensacola, Fla., 1985. (The Naval Education and
Training Program Development Centre became the Naval Education and Training Program Management
Support Activity on 1 Sep 1986.)
Principles of Operation Environmental Control System, NAVAIR 01-S3AAA-2-2.7, Naval Air Systems
Command, Washington, D.C., September 1985.
Principles of Operation Propulsion System, NAVAIR 01-S3AAA-2-2.6, Work Package 00408, Naval Air
Systems Command, Washington, D.C., April 1980.
43 of 44 28.05.2009 17:37
Principles of Operation Airframe Group Systems, NAVAIR 01-S3AAA-2-2.2, Work Packages 00307, 00308,
00309, and 013 13, Naval Air Systems Command, Washington, D.C., July 1977.
S-3 Testing and Troubleshooting Environmental Control System, NAVAIR 01-S3AAA-2-3.7, Naval Air
Systems Command, Washington, D.C., September 1985.
CHAPTER 5
Organization Maintenance With IPB Aircraft Ejection Seat SJU-17(V)1/A and SJU-17(V)2/A, F/A-18C and
F/A-18D Aircraft, NAVAIR 13-1-29, Preliminary Technical Manual, Naval Air Systems Command,
Washington, D.C., April 1990.
NATOPS Flight Manual F/A-18C and F/A-18D Aircraft Ejection Seats, Al-F18AE-NFM-000, Preliminary
Technical Manual, Martin-Baker Aircraft Company, Oxford, England, January 1990.
Description and Principles of Operation, Navy Aircrew Common Ejection Seats (NACES) SJU-17(V)1/A and
SJU-17(V)2/A, F/A-18C and F/A-18D Aircraft, A1-F18AE-120-100, Preliminary Technical Manual,
Martin-Baker Aircraft Company, Oxford, England, January 1990.
Turnaround Check List, F/A-18C and F/A-18D Aircraft, A1-F18AE-MRC-100, Preliminary Technical
Manual, Martin-Baker Aircraft Company, Oxford, England, January 1990.
Many thanks to Mr J. Wendle Spanwick III of Knoxville, Alabama USA for donating the above article.
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NAVY AIRCREW COMMON EJECTION SEAT (NACES)

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION AND COMPONENTS

Figure 5-2.-Forward ejection seat main assemblies.

Figure 5-3.-Catapult assembly, forward seat.

Figure 5-4.-Ejection gun initiator (JAU-56/A) and catapult manifold valve.

Figure 5-5.-Interference devices, forward and aft seats.

Main Beams Assembly

Figure 5-6.-Operation of top latch assembly.

Figure 5-7.-Shoulder harness control system.

Figure 5-9.-Parachute deployment rocket motor (Mk 122Mod 0).

BAROSTATIC RELEASE UNIT (BRU).-

Figure 5-10.-Electronic sequencer.

Figure 5-11.-Barostatic release unit.

DROGUE DEPLOYMENT CATAPULT.-

Figure 5-12.-Drogue deployment catapult. 5-12

Figure 5-13.-Multipurpose initiator, left-hand.

Figure 5-14.-Pitot assembly, right-hand.

Figure 5-15.-Pitot assembly, operation.

Seat Bucket Assembly

Figure 5-16.-Right-hand ballistic manifold. 5-16

Figure 5-17.-Left-hand ballistic manifold, (F/A-18D).

Figure 5-18.-Thermal battery assembly.

Figure 5-19.-Seat buckets to main beams.

Figure 5-21.-Operating controls.

Figure 5-20.-Underseat rocket motor Mk 123 Mod 0 (forward seat). 5-18

Figure 5-22.-Ejection control handle. 5-19

Figure 5-23.-Locations of safety devices.

EMERGENCY RESTRAINT RELEASE HANDLE.- The emergency restraint release

Figure 5-24.-Leg restraint system.

Figure 5-25.-Emergency restraint release system.

SEAT HEIGHT ACTUATOR SWITCH.-

Figure 5-26.-Lower harness release mechanism.

PARACHUTE CONTAINER.- The parachute container is of light alloy construction, with

Figure 5-27.-Parachute assembly, forward seat. 5-24

PARACHUTE CANOPY AND DROGUE.-

Seat Survival Kit Assembly

filling. The gas pressure generated within the catapult-

Main Beams Assembly

Initiate the underseat rocket motor.

Close two electrical switches (sequencer "start" switches).

thermal battery power supply lines (2)

start switch circuits (2)

drogue deployment canister squib-fire circuit

drogue bridle release squib-fire circuit

parachute extractor squib-fire circuit

seat harness release squib-fire circuit

seat harness release (backup) squib-fire circuit

Figure 5-29.-NACES functional block diagram.

Figure 5-30.-Ejection modes.

Table 5-1.-Squib-Fire Event Times

t = time interval between 4.80 seconds and fall-through-condition.

BAROSTATIC RELEASE UNIT (BRU).-

DROGUE DEPLOYMENT CATAPULT.-

RH AND LH BALLISTIC MANIFOLDS.-

1. The shoulder harness reel to initiate harness retraction.

2. The thermal batteries.