Ejection Seats
Most airframers rely entirely on the seat manufacturer. We give you the in-house expertise to negotiate, integrate, and certify effectively.
The Challenge
Integrating a crew escape system is often treated as a simple procurement exercise rather than a complex systems engineering challenge. Airframers frequently struggle with the "black box" nature of seat suppliers, leading to poorly defined requirements and integration gaps that are only discovered during critical design reviews. Without deep domain knowledge, programs face significant scope creep, weight penalties, and cost overruns.
Our Approach
We act as your independent technical authority, bridging the gap between the airframe design team and the seat manufacturer. Drawing on extensive experience with both legacy and new platform integration, we define comprehensive requirements early in the lifecycle. We manage the complex supplier interface to maximize value and minimize technical risk. From the creation of the initial Statement of Work (SoW) to final system certification, we act as your technical liaison with the aviation authority.
Key Capabilities
-
Pre-Contract Scoping: Preparation of SOW, RFP, and technical requirements to secure the best commercial and technical deal.
-
Requirements Definition: Derivation of comprehensive crew escape system requirements, tailored to the airframe operational envelope and end-user needs.
-
Supplier Liaison: Managing the complex technical interface between the airframer and the seat manufacturer to ensure compliance.
-
Integration Support: Architectural design and physical integration of escape systems into legacy and novel aircraft, including crew support systems (PFE, HMDs, etc.).
-
Certification Strategy: Planning verification activities and liaising with certification authorities (CAA/FAA/MAA) to ensure successful outcomes.
-
Safety Assessment: Rigorous hazard analysis and risk assessment to ensure the safety case satisfies both the customer and the regulator.
-
Lifecycle Cost Optimisation: In-service review and guidance to minimize the operational costs and overheads associated with ejection seat ownership.
Proven Experience
-
Lead-In Trainer Aircraft: Technical leadership of multiple ejection seat integration programs into new lead-in trainer aircraft.
-
Canopy Jettison System Design: System architect, modelling and simulation associated with the development of a 5th generation fighter aircraft canopy jettison system.
-
5th Gen Fighter Program: Provided consultation on the architectural design and integration of the crew escape system, including requirements development and verification planning for a next-generation fighter.
-
eVTOL Integration: Provided key technical expertise for the first integration of an escape system into an eVTOL prototype aircraft, briefing flight test teams, the UK CAA and other stakeholders on system performance, risk and benefits.
