MK8 Ejection Seat

Following development of the highly successful Mk10 rocket-assisted ejection seat, a simplified, lightweight variant of this seat, designated the Mk8, was introduced for primary trainer aircraft, such as the Embraer Tucano. The most significant design simplification was the removal of the rocket motor to save weight. In most other respects, the Mk8 seat retains the excellent design features and functionality of the Mk10 seat.

The Mk8 seat provides runway level escape at speeds down to 70 knots and has a maximum escape speed capability of 425 knots.

The Mk8 seat is currently in service in the Embraer Tucano, which is operated by the following countries: Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Honduras, Iraq, Kenya, Kuwait, Mauritania, Paraguay, Peru, United Kingdom and Venezuela. To date, there have been 40 ejections from a Mk8 ejection seat.

• Minimum height/Speed: Zero/70 knots in near level attitude
• Crew boarding mass range: 78.2 to 116.2 kg
• Crew size range: 5th to 95th percentile
• Parachute type: GQ Type 1000 Mk 2
• Parachute deployment: Drogue assisted
• Drogue parachute type: 5ft
• Drogue deployment: Drogue gun initiated by trip rod
• Harness type: Combined
• Ejection seat operation type: Ejection gun
• Ejection gun: Single, two stage
• Gun stroke length: Variant dependent
• Ejection initiation: Handle on seat pan
• Electronic Sequencer: No
• Barostatic time-release unit: Yes + g-restrictor initiated by trip rod
• Automatic backup unit: No
• Manual override handle: Yes
• Timers: No
• Seat adjustment: Up/down. Actuator operated 28 Vdc
• Arm restraints: No
• Leg restraints: Yes, two garters
• Oxygen supply: Bottled emergency oxygen; Onboard oxygen generating system connection
• Personal survival pack: Yes
• Aircrew services: Oxygen (main and emergency) and mic/tel
• Command ejection: No
• Canopy jettison: No
• Miniature detonating cord: No
• Interseat sequencing system: No

Fitted in:

Short Tucano

Tucano

Dragonfly