Once the seat is aligned with the catapult gun, a second AME or the crew chief or as in this case, the QA man helps guide the seat down into the cockpit as seen here. He will also connect the leg restraint lines to the cockpit floor. The leg restraint lines are visible in the first picture dangling alongside the cockpit rail as the seat is swung into position. Here, the AME has moved to the side step and is assisting on the hookup of the leg restraints.

Once the seat is fully down the rail, it is locked to the catapult gun by means of a top latch mechanism. This mechanism, and the catapult itself, are described in the mechanisms page. Then, the trip rods on either side of the seat for the TRM and drogue gun are connected to the cockpit bulkhead.

Before the ECMO-1 seat was installed, the pilot's seat was installed. Here it is aligned with the catapult and is being lowered into position. This picture shows the AMEs finishing lowering the pilot seat into place. It was taken from the other side of the Prowler.

The men in these pictures are among the many that this site is dedicated to. Those who are out there day in, day out, working on these seats and systems to make sure that when the aircrew needs to use them, they will work. Thanks to you all!

Special thanks to the AME who sent me these photos!