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Martin-Baker Aircraft Co., Ltd. in Middlesex, England make the rocket-boosted pilot seats used to get pilots out of their planes quickly, away from lethal impacts with a tail or wing, and if necessary, to a safe altitude for parachute deployment.
The firm recently received a $42.2 million modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-07-C-0011), exercising an option for 178 Navy Aircrew Common Ejection Seats (NACES) including 78 for the Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and E/A-18G Growlers; 12 seats for the US Marine Corps F/A-18A+ Hornets; 46 for the Government of Canada (upgraded F/A-18A+ Hornets); and 42 for the Government of Australia (same). The contract also covers 285 thermal batteries for the NACES, including 251 units for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, 23 units for the Government of Finland (F/A-18C/Ds) and 11 units for the Government of Switzerland (F/A-18C/Ds). In addition, this contract provides for associated component parts and production support for the U.S. Navy production aircraft and the Governments of Canada and Australia.
In total, this contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, ($21.8 million; 51.69%; and the governments of Australia, ($9.7 million: 22.94%); Canada, ($10.6 million; 25.01%); Finland, ($102,632: 0.24%); and Switzerland, ($49,085: 0.12%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Middlesex, England, (71.5%); Johnstown, PA (16%); Northridge, CA (7%); and Ronkonkoma, NY (5.5%), and work is expected to be completed in December 2009. The Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD issued the contract.