An Investigation of Spinal Injury Potential from the Use of the ACES II Ejection Seat by Lower Weight Female Pilots
Abstract
Historically, ejection seat sled tests conducted to assess aviation injury potential to pilots have incorporated only the 5th through 95th percentile male weights. Since female pilots within the USAF have increased in number during the past seven years, it was estimated that risks associated with an ejection emergency for female pilots have not been adequately evaluated during ejection seat testing. The objectives of this thesis were to determine the percentage of female pilots who weigh less than the 5th percentile male and then to determine the spinal injury potential for these lower weight females with regard to the ACES II ejection seat. It was determined that the majority of female pilots are in a weight class below the 5th percentile male and that, based upon a computer model, the spinal injury potential is right at the acceptable limits. However, the authors caveat this second conclusion with the fact that a critical input to the computer that was used, the time-thrust curve for the DKU-5/A cartridge catapult, represented the thrust experienced by a 215 pound individual. Actual CKU-5/A test firings are scheduled to be accomplished in Sept. '84 before the second conclusion can be realistically accepted. Originator-supplied keywords include: Anthropometry, and Dynamic response.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA148449
Entities
People
- David W. Abati
- Michael F. Belcher
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology