Martin-Baker Factory 24 January 2025

“On Friday 24th January 2025 a small group of Liverymen enjoyed an exclusive tour of the Martin-Baker factory in Denham, Bucks.  Established in 1929 by James Martin (who was later knighted for his services to safety in aviation) the firm now employs around 1200 people, and remains a family run business to this day.  Originally aircraft manufacturers, the organisation changed direction in the 1940s and Sir James dedicated his life and the business to pilot safety.

We were welcomed by our host Tony Gaunt – previously a weapons engineer in the RAF – who has been with Martin-Baker for almost 24 years and his enthusiasm and breadth of knowledge was awe-inspiring.  

After a couple of eye-opening hours where we learned about the history of the company, had the opportunity to follow the build process, meet some of the highly skilled people who work there and discuss new  innovations,  we bade farewell and made our way to West London Shooting School where we had some excellent shooting and a delicious lunch in very enjoyable company.”

The Master writes …

Martin- Baker ejector seats are a critical innovation in aviation safety, designed to provide pilots with a reliable means of escape in emergency situations. 

Since their inception in the late 1940s, Martin-Baker ejector seats have played a pivotal role in saving thousands of lives. They allow pilots to safely exit an aircraft in the event of mechanical failure, fire, or other life-threatening scenarios.

The design of Martin-Baker seats incorporates advanced engineering and technology, ensuring rapid deployment and minimal risk during ejection. 

With over 7771 saves to date (24:01:25) these seats have become a standard in many aircraft worldwide. 

Their efficacy not only enhances pilot survival rates but also boosts overall confidence in flight operations. 

As a testament to their importance, Martin-Baker continues to innovate and improve the safety features of their ejector seats, solidifying their reputation as a cornerstone of aviation safety, as well as winning many national and international awards.