Overview
The seat structure is based around two main assemblies. The lower frame carries the floor mountings, locking mechanisms and controls. It also incorporates diagonal braces for lateral stiffness. The upper frame consists of the seat module which carries the armrests, headrest and harness. The upper frame slides on nylon coated guides to provide height adjustment. All of the structural frames are machined from high grade aluminium.
The seat is mounted on 10” (254mm) rail centres which provide fore/aft adjustment. Seat height can be adjusted through 135 mm
The seat recline, armrests and headrest are all adjustable while spring loaded thigh supports are standard. The 5 point harness comprises of two lap belts, two shoulder straps and a crotch strap which can be individually adjusted and terminate in a rotary Quick Release Fitting (QRF). The contoured seat cushions are covered in sheepskin for maximum comfort over long periods. The seat is provided in opposite hand formats for pilot and co-pilot.
Specifications
WEIGHT 22.63 kg
Qualified for 114 kg aircrew
Exceeds requirement of FAR 25
Fireproof: All materials comply with FAR 25 appendix F part 1 requirements. Toxic gasses are not released from any of the materials employed when burnt. Materials have been tested in accordance with section 7.3 and 7.4 of Airbus Spec ABD 003
Temperature: Temperature soaked at -40°C to 90°C for 2 hours then functioned at -30°C and 70°C respectively.
Humidity: Seat qualified to the requirements of MIL-STD-810E method 507.2 procedure 1 Cycle 2 which is a 10 day test at a temperature of 24°C with the humidity varying between 95% and 100% RH
Restraint mechanism: TSO C114 approved harness
Maintenance: Seat maintenance and repair are achieved through replacement of components and assemblies. No special tools are required.
Endurance: Seat tested to a 25 year life
How it works
A relatively high percentage of helicopter crashes are survivable. This is especially true in modern helicopters with robust structures designed to survive the crash. However, the human body cannot tolerate the crash forces and accelerations. The back and neck are particularly vulnerable to major and often fatal injuries. Our patented crashworthy seat technologies offer reliable and proven solutions to this problem by attenuating crash energy so that forces and accelerations imposed on the seat occupant are below injury thresholds. In the process of attenuating energy, the seat strokes (moves downward) in a controlled fashion. The energy is attenuated by the seat structure over a longer time period and keeps it well below injury thresholds. Martin-Baker has developed the technology and design approach that not only attenuates these loads over a broad weight range, but remains lightweight and affordable.