The development of the Advanced Concept Ejection Seat (ACES) was proposed as a solution to critical operational problems experienced with current U.S. Air Force escape systems and as a major improvement in escape capability, especially under low-level, adverse attitude situations where relatively high crew fatality rates were encountered. A program encompassing design, as well as development and qualification testing, resulted in the successful demonstration of the ACES system at speeds up to 690 KEAS and at altitudes up to 41,000 feet (MSL). The major performance improvement was achieved by incorporation of a multi-mode recovery sequencing system, mortar-deployed recovery subsystem with variable effective reefing, and a gyro-controlled vernier rocket to pitch-stabilize the seat during the initial part of its trajectory. Onboard speed/altitude sensors and an automatic programmer, containing logic and electronic time delays, were used to establish the seat environment, select the recovery mode, and initiate ejection and recovery events. Performance requirements of MIL-S-9479A were satisfied, with the exception that accelerations (spinal axis), in some instances, exceeded specified limits. An improvement in ACES escape capability can be effected by releasing the seat from the crewman earlier, just as the recovery parachute initially inflates.


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