Regulations and Government
Martin Baker Cries Foul Over Rival Seat Improvements
Row develops over alleged improper funding of modifications to the ACES ejection seat
A sled test of the Martin Baker Mk16E ejection seat for the F-35. (Photo: Martin Baker)
A sled test of the Martin Baker Mk16E ejection seat for the F-35. (Photo: Martin Baker)

Ejection seat maker Martin Baker (MB) has complained that its American rival is trying to unfairly win government funding for development of a new seat. The British-owned company alleges that safety and maintainability modifications of the in-service ACES II seat, made by UTC Aerospace Systems, effectively create a new product. There is a proposal for the modifications to be funded by the Pentagon; Martin Baker maintains that the seat should be government-funded only after a competitive bid process.