What happens if the SSK selector is set to AUTO?

When the SSK (Survival Seat Kit) selector is set to AUTO, it is designed to deploy the seat survival kit 4.0 seconds after seat/pilot separation occurs. This timing is crucial as it allows for the safe ejection of the pilot and the subsequent deployment of the survival kit to enhance the pilot’s chances of survival after separation from the aircraft.

The 4.0-second delay ensures that the primary focus during ejection is the pilot's safe distance from the aircraft, reducing the risk of the kit deploying too soon, which could potentially cause harm or complicate the pilot's escape. By setting the selector to AUTO, the ejection system automatically coordinates the survival kit deployment in a calculated timeframe to provide effective support to the pilot once they are clear of any immediate dangers.