Military Training Aircraft Grounded Over Ejection Seat Concerns

A potential defect in cartridge actuated devices (CAD) used in ejection seats has prompted the grounding of hundreds of military aircraft including Air Force T-38 Talons and T-6 Texan IIs.

Kimberly Johnson

Friday, July 29, 2022 at 04:43 PM ET

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An Air Force pilot climbs aboard a T-38 before a training flight. [Photo: USAF Tech. Sgt. Erik Cardenas]

Key Takeaways:

A potential defect in cartridge actuated devices (CAD) within ejection seats manufactured by Martin-Baker Aircraft Co. Ltd. has led to the grounding of military aircraft.
The U.S. Air Force grounded hundreds of T-38 Talon and T-6 Texan II training aircraft out of an "abundance of caution" for safety inspections.
The Navy and Marine Corps also grounded some training aircraft, and Naval Air Systems Command is shipping cleared replacement parts for various affected fixed-wing aircraft.
Aircraft will remain grounded until their ejection seats are confirmed to be fully functional, prioritizing aircrew safety and confidence in equipment.

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A potential defect in cartridge actuated devices (CAD) used to initiate ejection seats has prompted the grounding of hundreds of military aircraft, including U.S. Air Force T-38 Talons and T-6 Texan IIs out of an” abundance of caution,” according to service officials.

The devices are used in ejection seats manufactured by Martin-Baker Aircraft Co. Ltd., which notified Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) of the potential defect. NSWC IHD provides the devices for Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps aircraft.