What We Do
MK12 Ejection Seat
Martin-Baker developed the Mk12 seat to provide a cost-effective escape system with an improved low-speed and adverse attitude recovery capability.

MK12

Over 200 Mk12s currently in service.

30 lives saved using a Mk12 ejection seat.
Martin-Baker developed the Mk12 seat to provide a cost-effective escape system with an improved low-speed and adverse attitude recovery capability.
The Mk12 seat introduced a significant improvement in seat performance over the speed range of zero to 625 knots and from ground level to the service ceiling of the aircraft. The seat has the capability of sensing airspeed and adjusting its mode of operation accordingly, by the introduction of the mechanically controlled multi-mode selector.
The Mk12 is currently operational in Taiwan in the F-CK-1 Ching-Kuo aircraft.
Operating ceiling | 50 000ft (15,250m) |
Minimum height/speed | Zero/zero in near level attitude |
Crew boarding mass range | 71.4 to 116.0 kg |
Crew size range | As defined in Survey of 2000 Royal Air Force Aircrew 1970/1971 |
Maximum Speed for ejection | 600 KIAS |
Parachute type | GQ Automatic Inflation Modulation (AIM) aeroconical |
Parachute deployment | Drogue assisted |
Drogue parachute | 1.5 m Primary and 1.7 m Secondary |
Drogue deployment | Gas-initiated parachute deployment unit |
Harness type | Combined |
Ejection seat operation type | Ejection gun and multi-tube rocket pack |
Ejection gun | Single, two stage cartridges |
Ejection initiation | Handle on seat bucket initiates gas-operated seat firing system |
Multi-mode selector | Yes, mechanical with pitot and deceleration sensors |
Barostatic time-release unit | Yes + g-restrictor. Gas initiated |
Automatic back-up unit | No |
Manual override handle | Yes |
Timers | Yes |
Seat adjustment | Up/down Actuator operated 28 Vdc |
Arm restraints | No |
Leg restraints | Yes, two garters |
Oxygen supply | Bottled emergency oxygen, Onboard oxygen generating system connection |
Personal survival pack | Yes + Automatic Deployment and Liferaft inflation |
NBC | Nuclear Biological and Chemical (NBC) ventilator |
Aircrew services | Personal equipment connector (PEC) provides connections for oxygen (main and emergency), anti-g suit and mic/tel |
Command ejection | No |
Canopy jettison | No |
Miniature detonating cord | Yes |
Interseat sequencing system | No |