The parachute was developed to a dependable life-saving device during the last year of WWI. But when speeds of aircraft increased, a parachute jump became a hazardous thing to do.  

The Swedish aircraft engineers were more or less forced to develop an ejection seat when the SAAB J 21 was designed. This aircraft, as can be seen, had a pushing propeller and consequently the engine mounted aft of the cockpit. A parachute jump with the propeller rotating would be impossible to survive.  

SAAB 21 was equipped with the first of a number of ejection seat designed and built by SAAB. The last Swedish-built fighter, JAS 39 Gripen, has its seat(s) bought from Martin Baker of the UK.

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