Hi guys, the 10/2000 issue of Military Technology includes an Industrial Focus on Martin Baker, purveyors of bespoke bang seats.
The company was founded as an aircraft manufacturer in 1929 and began work on ejection seats in 1944. The first live demonstration took place in 1946.(I must point out that the Germans actually made operational use of ejection seats during WW2 over the Eastern Front). The first ground level ejection was demonstrated in 1955, and the first zero/zero ejection occurred in 1961. The first microprocessor-controlled ejection took place in 1987.
Today MB is the largest manufacturer of bangseats in the world, having delivered over 69000 seats, 19000 of which are still in service- the oldest being over 40 years(anyone care to strap his little pink bum in a forty year old bangseat?)and all are actively supported by Messrs MB. MB seats have saved the lives of over 6700 aircrew, 3320 of which are American(yanks can´t fly and chew gum at the same time :-)).
The Mk 10/10L is standard in 45 aircraft types and in service with 63 airforces. The Navy Aircrew Common Ejection Seat(NACES)is currently installed in the F14D, F18C/D, F18E/F and T45A. About 1100 have been delivered.
The current Mk 16 has been selected for the Typhoon, Rafale and Boeing X32.
By: Eddie - 19th December 2004 at 17:26
I can’t think of a break in service.
Mark
I can… 1991 to 1998. However, I presume it was still on the BBMF’s books at the time!
By: stringbag - 19th December 2004 at 17:07
The PR.9s are all 1959 vintage except XH168 and XH169 which are 1960.
The oldest is T.4 WJ874, Blue Bomber currently undergoing a Minor at Hurn and due back on the sqn in January next. It was awaiting collection on 24 Dec 1954 and first user was the Station Flight at RAF Gaydon. So – in five days time WJ874 will be 50! The longest serving aircraft in the RAF. (And I bet nobody will notice. . . . 😡 )
It hasn’t served each of those 50 years with the RAF though, strictly speaking 😉
On the subject of WJ874, it was out on ground runs last week at Hurn.
A great sight to see, as I was passing the Airport.
By: Manonthefence - 19th December 2004 at 17:02
I bow to your superior knowledge o wise one!!
By: Mark12 - 19th December 2004 at 16:58
Didnt LF363 only rejoin the RAF in the 60’s therefore not continuous service.
I don’t think so.
I can’t think of a break in service.
Mark
By: BlueRobin - 19th December 2004 at 15:28
Not a jet either! 😉
By: Manonthefence - 19th December 2004 at 15:11
Didnt LF363 only rejoin the RAF in the 60’s therefore not continuous service.
By: Firebird - 19th December 2004 at 14:59
The oldest is T.4 WJ874, Blue Bomber currently undergoing a Minor at Hurn and due back on the sqn in January next. It was awaiting collection on 24 Dec 1954 and first user was the Station Flight at RAF Gaydon. So – in five days time WJ874 will be 50! The longest serving aircraft in the RAF. (And I bet nobody will notice. . . . 😡 )
That’s front line service I pressume, as IIRC, Hurricane LF363 of the BBMF is the longest active on charge, but of course not front line serving. :confused:
By: James D - 19th December 2004 at 14:43
How old are they? The B52B NASA used to launch the scramjet thingie first flew in 1955.
Its just been/is shortly to be retired though.
By: mike currill - 19th December 2004 at 14:28
I know this is slightly OT but useful info for anyone interested in MB ejection seats. If that describes you might I suggest a book called ‘The Man In The Hot Seat’ by a chap called Doddy Hay,that is ,if you have not already read it and/or can find a copy. Doddy Hay was one of the MB guinea pigs and the story he has to tell should be considered essential reading for those with an interest in R&D of things aviation in general and MB ejection seats in particular. I read it years ago and would like to read it again but I have been hunting it for about five years now without success.
By: Flanker_man - 19th December 2004 at 11:29
There was a long discusssion on another NG about ‘oldest jet in military service’.
The first problem was to define ‘in military service’ …..
I think that the conclusion was that the T-33 won – as it is(?)/was still in front line service in South America (and maybe Canada – there you go again with ‘military service’).
But then – we didn’t say ‘front line service’ !!!!
So – you takes your definition and makes your choice …
I think the ONLY safe thing to say is that “WA638 is the oldest jet aircraft in the world operated on behalf of the military that carries that registration !!!”
Ken
By: LesB - 19th December 2004 at 10:15
The Marham Canberras are getting on a bit too.
The PR.9s are all 1959 vintage except XH168 and XH169 which are 1960.
The oldest is T.4 WJ874, Blue Bomber currently undergoing a Minor at Hurn and due back on the sqn in January next. It was awaiting collection on 24 Dec 1954 and first user was the Station Flight at RAF Gaydon. So – in five days time WJ874 will be 50! The longest serving aircraft in the RAF. (And I bet nobody will notice. . . . 😡 )
By: DGH - 19th December 2004 at 02:28
Are they not owned by Martin Baker and flown on the military register? Same as those eggbeaters and training aircraft that are under contract to the RAF?
By: Elmo - 18th December 2004 at 18:50
WA638’s delivery date is given as 21/11/49 according to the UK Serials Resource centre,making it a tad older than NASA’s B-52.
al
By: Moggy C - 18th December 2004 at 18:23
So it’s the oldest jet aircraft in RAF operation then? Or indeed, the world?
The Marham Canberras are getting on a bit too.
Moggy
By: macky42 - 18th December 2004 at 17:59
How old are they? The B52B NASA used to launch the scramjet thingie first flew in 1955.
By: BlueRobin - 18th December 2004 at 17:50
So it’s the oldest jet aircraft in RAF operation then? Or indeed, the world?
By: Manonthefence - 18th December 2004 at 16:28
They have two, both still operate under the military serial system and are owned by the MOD on long term loan/lease/etc.
By: coanda - 18th December 2004 at 16:11
I think the chalgrove meteor is still on the books with the RAF, I think I remember it being mentioned in a mag article on current boscombe down aircraft.
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November 18, 2000 at 2:40 pm