Army Cockpit Delethalization Program (CDP)
Abstract
Injury data indicate that secondary cockpit strikes to the head and upper torso account for approximately two-thirds of all major and fatal injuries in potentially survivable Army helicopter mishaps. A two-year program of research, biodynamic simulation, detail design, test and evaluation was performed to examine the head/upper torso strike problem and demonstrate potential solutions. This report describes the investigation and conceptual process leading to the development of crew protection designs, including an advanced harness geometry, a harness tensioner/retractor, and a harness mounted airbag that could be candidates for current as well as year 2000+ helicopter or light aircraft applications. The protective concepts were evaluated in a series of computer simulations and in 15 dynamic tests on a horizontal accelerator using a replication of an advanced attack helicopter crewstation interior with a stroking crewseat. Overall effectiveness and physiological compatibility of the protective concepts were evaluated under varying crash pulses and impact orientations. Results show significant improvement in reduction of head displacement and linear acceleration, torso displacement, inertia reel strap payout, and neck torque compared to a baseline conventional restraint. Crash Protection, Delethalized Cockpit, Crash Physiological Compatibility, Restraint Improvements, Restraint Harness, Strike Hazard Reduction, Air Bags.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA268990
Entities
People
- Mark S. Pfaff
- Ricky L. Greth
- W. B. Shope