Crew seat identification – Key Publishing

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By: Aircraft - 22nd October 2014 at 21:32

Once again the forum provides a wonderful outcome. Thank you for your input Jon, Bill and Mike.

I have to say that I really like the look of this seat, and it’s very comfortable too! Now to see if I can find on original cushion for it!

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By: WV-903. - 21st October 2014 at 23:13

Nice one Jon.

Had it been made by another company the possibly, but the BGA inspection stamp (Blackburn General Aircraft) means it was built for one purpose. 🙂

Jon

Excellent ident. Jon. Nice unit. V-Bombers rear crew seats were different again to this seat Mike. Good ending.

Bill T.

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By: Jon H - 21st October 2014 at 22:09

Had it been made by another company then possibly, but the BGA inspection stamp (Blackburn General Aircraft) means it was built for one purpose. 🙂

Jon

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By: Aircraft - 21st October 2014 at 21:11

Dear all,

Thank you for all of your helpful replies.

I think we can safely say that Jon has solved the mystery. Would this be a Beverley specific seat, or would other types also use them?

Thank you,
Aircraft

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By: Jon H - 20th October 2014 at 22:24

Its a Blackburn Beverley pilots seat.

Jon

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By: Arabella-Cox - 20th October 2014 at 21:26

Could it be a rear crew seat from one of the V-bombers, I wonder? It looks a bit to hi-tech to be from a piston type.

What did the Valiant rear crew seats look like, Bill? Those armrests look like the ones on your Valiant front seat.

Anon.

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By: WV-903. - 20th October 2014 at 20:47

Hi Aircraft,
Looking at the manufacturers plate, that indicates it to be a Type C Mk 1. A non Ejection Seat that has all the Martin Baker hallmarks about it’s construction. The Blue Harness equates to early 1950’s (Chipmunk,Helicopter, etc ) and the whole seat looks British military. But what it could be from, I know not. The lever assy looks like a seat lowering/raising handle and some sort of guide rail is fitted on seat back. The Arm rests appear ridiculously small,(But there must be a reason for that ) and they seem to be mounted on a cylinder or drum arrangement, so can probably be rotated backwards when not needed. Arm rests usually indicate seat will be used for long periods at a stretch. The release lever on stbd. side frame looks like it operates the harness top Lock / release, so /operator/gunner/??? can reach forward during normal flying.
I have a Mk 2D and 3A Martin Baker pair of ejct. seats, so am familiar with the generie.

Interesting indeed !!! How did you come by it ?

Bill T.