Martin Baker - Ejection seat and escape system technology

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Located in a modern purpose-built office complex at Denham, Martin-Baker has a strong design team utilising extensive Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) using second generation EDS Unigraphics, 3D solid block modelling and 6 axis machine simulation system. Over 35 work stations are in full operation. Unigraphics provides an extremely powerful and complex modelling and finite analysis capability, providing total concurrent engineering, augmented by a thermoplastic rigid protoyping machine, which has the ability to take the electronic geometry from the Unigraphics model and build an exact reproduction in resin for Proof-Of-Concept or casting manufacture. Modification and production engineering facilities support the CAE facilities to meet requirements for data, stress, mass, configuration control, specifications, standards.

Systems Engineering and Design Support

The complex nature of ejection seat analysis requires a wide range of systems engineering skills and tools. Martin-Baker's highly experienced, multi-disciplinary Systems team is available to support the most demanding project and analytical needs. The Systems Engineering Department carries out model development and system studies for ejection seats and their sub-systems. If required, these studies can include full computer simulation, wind tunnel testing and other analytical methods to minimize technical risk. The Department also performs requirements analysis and management, and specification creation.

The main tasks of the Department are:

· Systems studies
· System simulation and analysis
· Multi-body dynamic modelling
· Bio-dynamics and crash analysis
· Guidance and control analysis
· Aerodynamics and computational fluid dynamics
· Pyrotechnic simulation
· Parachute system simulation
· Software development
· Space studies
· Mechanism simulation

Proof of Concept (P.O.C.) and Development Testing

As part of the design process, and to ensure satisfactory operation before freezing design and moving to the qualification stage, P.O.C. testing of prototype components, subsystems and full systems is conducted, utilising in-house facilities. This approach confirms design maturity and minimises technical and schedule risk. Pre-production sub-systems or systems will also be subjected to rigorous testing over the entire specified operating range that also includes vibration, shock, temperature and extremes of other environmental conditions. Having checked satisfactory operation under the most severe conditions, the programme can move forward with confidence to full qualification.

Experimental Department

A separate dedicated experimental workshop, with manual data input CNC machining centres and lathes, enables small quantities of components to be produced with minimum lead times to support test programme requirements. In addition to manufacturing, the Experimental Department assemble test and mock-up seats and hardware as well as constructing and mounting test forebodies on the sled base. The Experimental Department has produced equipment to support testing for all programmes.

Design