What We Do
Mk16A Ejection Seat
Ejection Seat system for the Eurofighter Typhoon
MK16A For Typhoon
4 lives saved using a Mk16A ejection seat.
Over 650 Mk16A Ejection Seats currently in service.
The development of the Mk16A ejection seat for the Eurofighter Typhoon was carried out at Martin-Baker’s facilities at Denham, Chalgrove and Langford Lodge. Due to the capabilities and wide operating envelope of the aircraft, Martin-Baker was presented with a series of challenges which have had to be overcome during the development of the seat, such as the accommodation of a wider range of pilot models covering height and weight requirement, as well as achieving compatibility with equipment such as the Head Mounted Display (HMD), Chemical and Biological protection units (CB) and general aircrew equipment.
The Mk16A ejection seat utilises a second generation digital seat sequencer which incorporates a strategy of continuous sensing of external environmental parameters. Under certain speed and altitude conditions, the recovery timings at which the parachute is deployed are varied in order to optimise the terrain clearance.
The Eurofighter is currently operational in the following countries: Austria, Germany, Italy, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Aircraft fitted: Eurofighter Typhoon
| Operating ceiling | 55,013ft (16,768m) |
| Minimum height/speed | Zero/zero in near level attitude |
| Crew boarding mass range | 61.0 to 133.5 kg |
| Crew size range | Eurofighter-specific crew size range |
| Maximum Speed for ejection | 600 KIAS |
| Parachute type | GQ Type 5000 |
| Parachute deployment | Cartridge initiated |
| Drogue parachute | Yes |
| Drogue deployment | Cartridge initiated, electronic sequencer controlled |
| Automatic back-up unit | Yes, barostat controlled |
| Electronic sequencer | Yes, powered by thermal batteries |
| Timers | Time delay for canopy jettison |
| Seat adjustment | Up/down actuator operated 28 Vdc |
| Arm restraints | Yes |
| Leg restraints | Passive leg restraint system |
| Oxygen supply | Bottled emergency oxygen |
| Personal survival pack | Yes + automatic deployment and liferaft inflation |
| Aircrew services | Aircrew services package, interface for breathing gas, NBC ventilation supply, mic/tel and anti-g trousers; Head equipment assembly services module; Liquid suit connector assembly; Auxiliary oxygen bottle |
| Command ejection | Yes |
| Canopy jettison | Yes |
| Miniature detonating cord | No |
| Interseat sequencing system | Yes, via mode selector |
