What is the maximum G force that a crewman experiences on ejection?
The maximum G-force that is experienced depends on several factors of the propulsion system in the seat, and in the mass of the seat/man combination. As there are many different designs of seats and propulsion systems, it is hard to generalize this. The older purely ballistic seats tended to be higher ranges, from 17-22Gz not being unusual. Later designs lowered the maximum G force as the addition of rocket propulsion allowed for seats to clear the aircraft with less initial force. The newer seats are often in the range of 12-14 Gz. This varies by temperature as well, with the hotter cockpit temperature allowing for a higher impulse from the cartridges. The other major factor is the mass of the seat/man package. Often referred to as the total ejected mass, this is a measurement of the mass of the seat, the survival equipment, and the crewman and his/her total body mass along with the mass of the gear he/she is wearing. In current issue seats, the amount of force from the catapult and r
