I was an armourer in the RAF from 1979 – 1988, and in the Sultan of Oman’s Air Force from 1988 – 1990. I never had the honour of working in a seat bay, but I did work on the line, with the Hawks of 63 squadron at Chivenor, and 6 and 8 squadrons (Hunters and Jaguars) at SOAF Thumrait.
Certainly, the most enjoyable time was the 4 years I spent arming and maintaining the Hawk Mk 10b seats, everything in the right place and easy to access. We had a couple of successful ejections whilst I was there, and the satisfaction in knowing that my work helped save someone’s life was truly satisfying.
