Russia is the only country in the world to operate helicopters fitted with operational ejection seats, a feature found on the Kamov Ka-50 Black Shark and the Ka-52 Alligator. The system has been in use since 1995 on the single-seat Ka-50 and later adapted for the two-seat Ka-52, allowing crews to escape in the event of critical damage.
The Zvezda K-37 Helicopter Extraction System works by detonating explosive charges in the rotor disc to remove the rotor blades, jettisoning the canopy before deploying the ejection seat. The system is designed to protect crews during emergency situations that would otherwise be fatal.
The Ka-52 Alligator is a long-range, all-weather attack helicopter, capable of striking ground and air targets at ranges of up to 10 kilometres. It carries laser-guided anti-tank missiles, night vision equipment, and electronic countermeasures, and has seen extensive operational use in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
By contrast, helicopters operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF) do not have ejection seats. Instead, crews are trained in emergency procedures to land safely if the aircraft suffers engine failure or other critical faults. At RAF Shawbury’s No.1 Flying Training School, pilots and crew practice autorotation landings, where the helicopter’s descent maintains rotor rotation to enable a controlled landing. Crews are also trained in evacuation procedures, including exiting through side windows if doors are jammed.
Sgt Charles Pearce of 60 Squadron, a recently graduated rear crew member, stated that RAF procedures are highly effective. “We practise emergencies all the time to make sure we’re well prepared. Safety is paramount,” he said.
Training at RAF Shawbury includes work on the HT1 Juno helicopter, with graduates progressing to aircraft such as the Chinook, applying emergency protocols to ensure crew safety without the need for ejection systems.
