The Israeli Air Force itself has not purchased the seats, which greatly increase the chances for survival of a crash.
An Israel Aircraft Industries’ subsidiary will supply the US Navy with 2400 crash-proof seats for its Sikorsky CH-53 helicopters, at a preliminary volume of $5 million. The seats absorb the energy from a crash of the sort that took place about two weeks ago in Northern Israel, significantly improving the chances of surviving such a crash.
It should be noted the Israeli Air Force did not purchase the seats in its "CH-53 2000" upgrade project of the helicopters it owns. Sources close to the matter told "Globes" it is possible one of the conclusions arising from the investigation of the recent mid-air collision of two CH-53 helicopters will be the need to better protect flight staff and passengers.
The subsidiary won the tender after receiving a $600,000 grant to help develop evaluation and demonstration software for the seats. It competed against British firm Martin-Baker Aircrafts and European company Simula, among others.
Tender results were determined in December 1996, and supply is expected to begin within six months. Until now, no military has equipped itself with these seats, however, it is expected that the US Navy order will lead to other orders from other armies.