F-16 new Ejection Seat
The US Air Force is updating its existing approach to the Next-Generation Ejection Seat (NGES) program to increase competition for some of the five platforms, inviting more industry players to compete for a contract to supply F-16 ejection seats with the potential to conduct competition for other aircraft platforms in the future.
The decision follows analysis of industry information in response to a Sources Sought notice in August 2024, which gathered critical input from industry partners on the NGES program and allowed the program team to gain valuable insights and technical feedback from potential vendors.
In 2020, the Air Force awarded a sole-source contract for the F-15 to Collins Aerospace for the NGES program based on previous market research and assessment of technological maturity. However, with new data, updated market research, and evolving operational demands, the Air Force will issue a revised acquisition strategy for the F-16 and F-22.
“The decision to re-open the competition underscores our commitment to continually assess our strategies to ensure we meet warfighter needs and timelines,” said Andrew Hunter, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, in a USAF news release. “By reassessing market conditions and fostering competition, we ensure industry delivers the best possible solutions for both current and future Air Force requirements.”
A new request for proposal will be released to allow additional companies to compete for the NGES contract.
Martin Baker US18E
According to Alert 5, Martin Baker will be among the NGES. Martin-Baker will offer the US18E ejection seat, which is purpose-built for the F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft.
Lockheed Martin selected the US18E Ejection Seat for the F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft in November 2020 to replace the legacy ACES II seat. The US18E is entirely based on the US16E that is installed in the Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft with over 1100 seats manufactured.
The US18E enables safe ejection for aircrew equipped with a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) across the size and speed range. The modular seat design will considerably reduce the maintenance hours associated with canopy removals. Martin-Baker manufactures its own CAD/PAD with shorter lead times than operators currently experience with the legacy seat, being replaced with the US18E.
Following qualification in 2023, the US18E provides the following advantages over the legacy seat:
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- Wider nude weight range from 103lbs to 245lbs;
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- Wider accommodation range from the CAESAR multivariate Case 1 to the 95%ile – making it Gender neutral;
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- Safe ejection for aircrew equipped with a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) across the size and speed ranges;
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- The Martin-Baker Electronic sequencer is fitted together with a mechanical automatic backup unit for redundancy;
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- The modular seat design will reduce the need for canopy removals, significantly reducing operator maintenance hours;
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- Commonality of parts, support equipment and procedures with the F-35/US16E ensuring logistic support for many decades to come;
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- Martin-Baker manufactures its own CAD/PAD with shorter lead times than operators currently experience for the legacy seat.
NGES program could extend to other platforms
While the introduction of competition within the NGES program will initially focus on the F-16, the decisions following the competition could extend to other platforms, including the F-22 and B-1. The Air Force will continue its current program of record with Collins Aerospace to develop, integrate, and field the F-15 NGES.
Hunter reaffirmed that ongoing work with Collins Aerospace remains vital: “Our priority is to stay flexible and responsive to emerging technologies while keeping existing programs on schedule to meet operational needs.”
Photo by Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III / U.S. Air Force and Martin Baker
