US Patent 10131438 Ejector seat with ejection retracting backrest

An aircrew member must be properly positioned during flight to have a view inside and outside of the cockpit and to reach all aircraft controls. However, if an ejection event occurs, the aircrew member should be properly aligned with a thrust direction of the ejection seat to prevent injury. A retracting backrest for an ejection seat is deployed pre-flight to a desired flight position. A release mechanism engages a positioning member to secure the retracting backrest in the flight position. In response to an eject signal, the release mechanism disengages from the positioning member, and both the aircrew member and the retracting backrest are hauled back to properly align the aircrew member for ejection.