Events - Event View

Martin-Baker, originally formed in 1934 to continue work on aircraft development, designed an unconventional, two seat, low wing monoplane, the MB1. After Baker’s unfortunate death in 1942 during a test flight of the MB3 aircraft, pilot safety became Martin’s primary focus.

The first use of an ejection seat in a practical application was by a British pilot, involved with the Armstrong Whitworth A.W.52 flying wing experimental aircraft, in 1949.

Martin-Baker was a pioneer in expanding the operational envelope of the ejection seat enabling it to be used at low altitudes and airspeeds, leading eventually to a “zero- zero” capability seat.

Steve Roberts, Head of Business Development & VP for Special Projects will accept the award for Martin-Baker. His presentation, Engineering for Life, will describe the technical progress that Martin-Baker has made over 70 years of continuous Ejection Seat development.  Martin-Baker seats have equipped 53 aircraft types, in service with 93 Air Forces.