The Ejection Site

Aircraft Mechanics, Inc. (AMI) has had a long history in egress systems. They now operate as AMI Aircraft Seating Systems, under B.F. Goodrich.

AMI was one of the pioneers in the development of aircraft ejection seats for the U.S. Air Force. As early as 1945 they were awarded a USAF research and development contract to undertake a study of the problems of this relatively new phase of escape and survival systems. Much of their work involved an analysis of existing seats captured from the Germans and the development of improved techniques; many of which were forerunners of the advanced designs found in today's highly complex ejection seats.

In 1952 AMI designed, tested and manufactured the pilots' and navigators' upward ejection seats for the B57A jet bomber which is the USAF version of the famed British "Canberra". In 1953, they received a contract from Douglas Aircraft Company to design and manufacture the ejection seats for the pilot, navigator, bombagator, and gunner in the B-66 twin jet medium bomber. In 1954 AMI was the successful bidders on a large sub-contract from Republic Aviation Corp., and as a result produced the ejection seats for the F84F and F105 jet fighters. In 1955 AMI was awarded a contract to manufacture the ejection seat for the North American F100D jet fighter and in 1959 produced the supersonic ejection seat for the Convair F-106.

With B.F. Goodrich's acquisition of the ACES II product line AMI Aircraft Seating Systems is now producing ACES II seats.