With the aim of selecting a new ejection seat for its F-16 and F-22 Raptor fighters, the U.S. Air Force has reopened a competition, inviting companies to propose solutions for the next-generation ejection seat. This decision is part of the Next Generation Ejection Seat (NGES) Program update, which seeks to increase competition among firms to provide an initial alternative for the F-16, with “the potential to compete for other aircraft platforms in the future,” such as the F-22 and B-1.
Previously, in 2019, the U.S. Air Force announced its intention to award the contract to Collins Aerospace for the provision of the new ACES 5 ejection seat, the latest addition to the company’s seat family. At the time, Collins was identified as the only provider capable of meeting the government’s minimum requirements for the NGES Program. In 2020, the Air Force and Collins signed a $700 million contract covering the F-15 fleet, with plans to also equip all Air Force fighters—except the F-35—and the B-1 with the ACES 5.
However, a new Air Force assessment of the state of the industry and its suppliers led to the development of a new acquisition strategy for ejection seats intended for the F-16 and F-22, leaving Collins with the new seat for the F-15. “By reassessing market conditions and encouraging competition, we ensure the industry delivers the best possible solutions for the Air Force’s current and future needs,” stated Andrew Hunter, Under Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, in a press release.
Among the alternatives, Collins’ main competitor is Martin-Baker, another supplier of ejection seats for U.S. Air Force aircraft. Martin-Baker currently provides seats for the new F-16 Block 70 fighters manufactured by Lockheed Martin for allied nations. A source confirmed to Air & Space Forces Magazine that the British company aims to equip existing USAF F-16s with its new US18E seat, which is used in the Vipers produced on Lockheed Martin’s production line.
For its part, Collins Aerospace has extensive experience with Air Force programs, as its ACES II ejection seat is installed on F-15, F-16, F-22, and B-1 aircraft. The more advanced ACES 5 is already equipping the new T-7 Red Hawk advanced trainer. The ACES 5 features enhancements to prevent excessive movement of the head, neck, arms, and legs, along with an adjustable catapult system based on the occupant’s weight. Collins Aerospace claims the ACES 5 incorporates advanced safety improvements over the older ACES II, credited with saving more than 650 lives since its introduction in 1978.
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