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Martin-Baker has been selected by Lockheed Martin Australia to provide ejection seat training to Australian Defence Force pilots as part of the AIR 5428 Phase 1 Pilot Training System.
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The selection was made following a competitive tender process, with the prime contractor specifically highlighting Martin-Baker’s safety record, value for money, customer service and experience as underpinning the selection.
Under AIR 5428 Phase 1 Pilot Training System, Martin-Baker will provide ejection seat survival training services for the PC-21 trainer aircraft, including aeronautical life support and survival training.
It will include 40 annual training courses for Navy, Army, and Air Force pilots in Victoria, NSW, South Australia, and Western Australia as well as refresher courses for instructors.
According to Lockheed Martin Australia, the training will begin with class-based instruction covering aviation survival training principals before moving to hands-on training on how to operate emergency equipment such as ejection seats, parachutes, and survival kits.
Martin-Baker is well positioned to deliver the training, given their international commitment to pilot safety, Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand’s program director Global Training Systems, Peter Ashworth, explained.
“Lockheed Martin Australia is delighted to partner with Martin-Baker Australia, a company that manufactures elite fully integrated escape systems that provide pilots across the globe a vital added layer of safety,” Ashworth said.
“Integrating the aeronautical life support and survival training program into the core of the Pilot Training System contract ensures the world’s most experienced ejection seat manufacturer is front and centre in delivering aircrew safety training to Australian Defence Force pilots.
“This partnership also reduces cost, commercial, and administrative layers for all partners.”
Martin-Baker Australia’s managing director, Andrew Eden, outlined that the company’s objective is to keep pilots safe.
“Proudly, Martin-Baker ejection seats have saved the lives of over 7,726 aviators since the first ejection in 1949. We are deeply committed to saving those who put their lives on the line to protect Australia.
“We look forward to working hand-in-hand with Lockheed Martin Australia and Defence to provide Australia’s Defence Force pilots with essential ejection seat survival training as part of the AIR 5428 Pilot Training System.”
