T-33 Ejection seat

[Skiller]

Hi all, 

When looking for information I found this website and the bunch of people involved in getting this type of seat restored.

Not wanting to Hi-jack someone’s topic I started my own. 

 

I bought this seat from a former Dutch fighter pilot who flew the T-33 and some other planes. The seat itself is from a German plane and he acquired it to complement his uniform, parachute etc.

 

My objective is to "restore" it in its proper configuration with accessories and turn it into a desk chair for my office. By making a “docking station” where I can attach the seat in short tracks and fasten it without modifying the seat itself. I will leave the patina and dings on the chair as it has a certain appeal to me.

 

For authenticity and I will be reproducing the M5 (A1?) thruster and Initiator. Currently I’ve tested the seat adjustment system which was present at our local flight mechanic school but that unit isn’t functioning unfortunately. When possible I want to try and repair it so I can use that in conjunction with the switch and a separate power supply.

From Ebay I bought the counterpart of the G and Oxygen connector and am looking to reproduce the canopy lever and bracket to mount on my “docking station”.

 

Will be asking lot of questions and am looking forward to get hands on with the “restoration”.

 

Hi 

[Skiller]

 

When looking for information about the electric seat adjustment I found a few diagrams showing the electric routing and partnumbers.

However I couldn't find the exact voltage, but the circuit breakers were mentioned. On the motor itself it fortunately had a plaque which says 24DC.

When powering up it just a terrible zooming noise but no action. Will try do disassemble the motor itself within the next few weeks after the fasteners had a good soak in penetrating oil to give it the best shot possible of succes.

 

[MinutemanEMTer]

Wow. Great find!

 

I'd love to have one from an F-4E or G. That would sit right in my living room.

[RWW]

A lot of the T-33 systems are powered by 115 volts AC at 400 cycles. This comes from an inverter that is powered by the 28-volt DC system. The capacitors in the wiring diagram you posted on the plate off of the motor are listed as .25 microfarad 200-volt capacitors. Based on this, I suspect the motor runs on 115 volts AC at 400 cycles. 

 

You should be able to download a copy of TO 1T-33A-2 titled: Technical Manual - Maintenance from the below link:

 

https://www.usaf-sig.org/index.php/references/downloads/4-technical-orders/38-type-specific/70-t-33-lockheed

 

This will tell you more about the electrical system.

[Skiller]

9 hours ago, RWW said:

A lot of the T-33 systems are powered by 115 volts AC at 400 cycles. This comes from an inverter that is powered by the 28-volt DC system. The capacitors in the wiring diagram you posted on the plate off of the motor are listed as .25 microfarad 200-volt capacitors. Based on this, I suspect the motor runs on 115 volts AC at 400 cycles. 

 

You should be able to download a copy of TO 1T-33A-2 titled: Technical Manual - Maintenance from the below link:

 

https://www.usaf-sig.org/index.php/references/downloads/4-technical-orders/38-type-specific/70-t-33-lockheed

 

This will tell you more about the electrical system.

 

Thank you for the insight, I just went with the plaque on the motor itself but you could be right.  Will have to look into that.

I hope the downloads from your source are a bit more readable than the version I've found so far. Most of the schematics were hard to decipher.

[Skiller]

I'm looking for he bracket and lever for the canopy jettison, if someone has these parts and is willing to let it go please let me know.

Dimensions and sheet gauge for the bracket or lever are more than welcome as well, I have a machining and construction background and am able to fabricate these myself when I've got most of the dimensions.

 

 

[Skiller]

I've managed to completely disassemble the motor. After close examination the brake was probably at fault for the motor not turning over.

It has some sort of cork frichtion discs which disengage when the coil powers up and creates a magnetic field.

 

In the process of tearing everything apart some wires had to be broken so I have to replace those and repair the brushes as well.

[Skiller]

Does anybody have any pictures of the AIC-2 adapter for the helmet communication?

I did find the AIC-10 on the web but does it differ much?

 

 

Does 

 

[Skiller]

Unfortunately even though the motor is running it doesn't deliver enough energy to lower or raise the seat bucket.

It's easily stopped by just gently pressing a screwdriver or holding the shaft. Despite changing all the bearings

 

 

, carbon brushes etc.

The coils must have a short somewhere and rewinding them is a rather expensive option. So I have to let the idea of using this motor go.

A cheap replacement motor with an electronic inverter which fits the original housing is my next best option for using the original adjustment.

 

I did manage to machine the catapult housing quite close to original dimensions, the explosive ordnance disposale manuals specified most of the dimensions.

Quite a pain in the ... given the long length and small wall thickness of the tubing. I plan on using a gas-spring and a special pneumatic release mechanism inside the tube to accomodate a feeling of "ejection". I used steel tubing instead of aluminium as I intend on welding the end caps etc. and some custom inners.

 

IMG_9281.MOV

[Reach22]

Hi

that seat is the basis for a fine display.

i have a similar ex Luftwaffe seat that I acquired about 20 years ago, and see that you already have a photo of mine on your post!

 I have quite a bit of information regarding this early Lockheed design and would be happy to support you in any way I can in completing it.

Take care 

 

[Skiller]

Hi Reach22, I would love to have the dimensions of the canopy handle.

The "frame" is nearly finished and has a bracket for the O2 and G-suit coupling welded onto it.

I designed a pneumatically actuated and gas-spring driven catapult, but this doesnt work the way I want to so I have some redesigning to do...

 

Overall quite pleased with the design and function.