The Development and Airborne Testing of the PALE Seat.
Abstract
In this paper I shall describe the development, centrifuge testing and airborne evaluation of the G-protective PALE (Pelvis and Legs Elevating) seat. This articulated seat achieves supination not by reclining the seatback, but by elevating the pelvis and legs forward and upwards, while the head and shoulders barely move. Thus, out-of-the-cockpit vision and vision of displays are unchanged; labyrinthine symptoms are avoided, and head-up displays (HUD) can be easily used because the distance between windshield and eyes does not change. Because no new technological development occurs in a vacuum, I shall review the earlier studies in which transverse (prone or supine) positioning of the pilot had been examined. This historical review will list and describe all known seat configurations for prone and supine positioning that reached the stage of the airborne testing. The thankless efforts of these investigators who dared to suggest the use of unconventional seating and who challenged the traditional concepts of aircraft design are documented in tables and photographs. The urgency to provide fighter aircraft with transverse positioned seats can not be over-emphasized at this time. A squadron of aircraft equipped with these seats would have a spectacular advantage in air combat situations, and could literally fly circles around the adversary aircraft. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 20, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA103663
Entities
People
- Harald J. Von Beckh
Organizations
- Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster