Hoses for Martin-Baker Rafale ejection seats
Hoses for Martin-Baker Rafale ejection seats
Keywords Dunlop,Ejection seats, Hoses
Martin-Baker ejection seats for the Dassault Rafale fast jet fighter being supplied to the French Air Force and Navy are equipped with Dunlop Aviation Ice Protection and Structures life support hoses. There are five hoses in each seat set (Plate 2). Four are related to normal OBOGS (on board oxygen generating system) and the fifth supplies pressurising air to the Anti-G flight suit.
Previously, because of the vital necessity to maintain integrity these hoses have been lifed items. Now,on-condition replacement is made possible by the adoption of synthetic rubber hoses. Silicone rubber tubing is used with an outer cover of fabric and coil spring to provide anti-kink abilities. This ensures that there is no chance of trapping the hose during seat adjustment but, more importantly, to ensure safety when the seat is operated.
Plate 2 Five Dunlop Aviation on-condition replacement, anti-kink, life support hoses provide OBOGS and pressurising air to the anti-G flight suit in Martin-Baker ejection seats for the Dassault Rafale fast jet fighter seat set
Silicone rubber provides long-term high and low temperature operation combined with extremely good resistance to ozone, oxygen and high intensity, ultra-violet radiation. Not only that, but the material is oil and grease resistant, odourless and tasteless.
Further details are available from Dunlop. Tel: +44 (0) 1203 666655; Fax: +44 (0) 1203 662294.
