What We Do
MK18 for F-16 Block 70/72
The latest in ejection seat technology for F-16 Block 70/72
Neck Protection Device (NPD)
The NPD supports the neck and head during ejection. This has become necessary as helmets have increased in size and weight to accommodate helmet mounted displays (HMD).
Head Support Panel (HSP)
The HSP supports the head during the parachute deployment phase of ejection.
MWARS
Martin-Baker Water Activated Release System (MWARS) automatically releases the Gen 5 integrated harness when landing in water, detaching the parachute.
US18E for F-16
The latest in ejection seat technology for F-16 Block 70/72
Commonality with the US16E in the F-35 JSF
Competitively selected by Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin selected the US18E Ejection Seat for the F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft in November 2020 to replace the legacy seat. The US18E is entirely based on the US16E that is installed in the Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft with over 1100 seats manufactured.
Following qualification in 2023, the US18E will provide the following advantages over the legacy seat:
- Wider nude weight range from 103lbs to 245lbs;
- Wider accommodation range from the CAESAR multivariate Case 1 to the 95%ile – making it Gender neutral;
- Safe ejection for aircrew equipped with a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) across the size and speed ranges;
- The Martin-Baker Electronic sequencer is fitted together with a mechanical automatic backup unit for redundancy;
- The modular seat design will reduce the need for canopy removals, significantly reducing operator maintenance hours;
- Commonality of parts, support equipment and procedures with the F-35/US16E ensuring logistic support for many decades to come;
- Martin-Baker manufactures its own CAD/PAD with shorter lead times than operators currently experience for the legacy seat.
Aircraft fitted: F-16 Block 70/72
| Operating ceiling | 55,500ft (16,768m) |
| Minimum height/speed | Zero/Zero in near level attitude |
| Crew size range | CAESAR Case 1 to 95%ile |
| Maximum speed for ejection | 600 KEAS |
| Parachute type | IGQ 6000 |
| Harness Type | MG5 Integrated |
| Ejection Gun | Twin Catapult |
| Automatic Back-up Unit | Yes |
| Electronic Sequencer | Yes |
| Seat Adjustment | Yes |
| Arm restraint | Yes, active system Type II |
| Leg restraint | Yes, passive system |
| Oxygen supply | Bottled back-up/emergency oxygen supply |
| Seat Survival Kit | Yes + automatic deployment and liferaft inflation |
| Aircrew Services | Yes, connection to CRU-120/P. Interface to helmet |
| Canopy jettison | Yes |
| Canopy fracture | No |
| Auto eject system | No |
