If the ejection seat ADU mode selector switch is set to AUTO, when will the SSK deploy?

When the ejection seat ADU mode selector switch is set to AUTO, the SSK (Stabilized Seat Kit) is designed to deploy approximately 4 seconds after the seat and pilot have successfully separated from the aircraft. This delay is crucial as it allows the ejection seat to gain a safe distance from the aircraft before deploying the SSK, which is essential for ensuring that the parachute operates correctly and to avoid any potential interference with the aircraft's structure or debris from the aircraft during the high-stress scenario of ejection.

This operational sequence prioritizes the safety of the pilot by preventing premature deployment that could compromise both the ejection and the subsequent parachute descent. Adjusting the timing of the SSK deployment contributes to a more controlled descent and better chances for recovery in a potentially chaotic environment following an ejection.