EValuation of A Proposed B-2 Seat Cushion By + Gz Impact.
Abstract
Optimal seat comfort is required for aircrew operational effectiveness in all USAF aircraft. Extended missions in ejection seat aircraft must balance comfort with the cushion's influence on the risk of vertebral fracture during ejection. McDonnell Douglas and Northrop Grumman recently designed a proposed seat cushion for the ACES II ejection seat in the B-2 aircraft to improve sitting comfort. The Escape and Impact Protection Branch was requested by the San Antonio Air Logistics Center to evaluate potential spinal injury risk with the proposed cushion. A series of vertical impact tests were conducted with volunteer human subjects to compare the impact response of the proposed cushion to a "no cushion" impact condition, and to the existing B-2 ACES II seat cushion. All tests were conducted on the Armstrong Laboratory's Vertical Deceleratio Tower using a +Gz peek impact of 100. Test results indicate that the human impact response with the proposed B-2 ACES II seat cushion is not significantly different from the response with no seat cushion or with the current B-2 ACES II seat cushion. This indicates that the current risk of spinal injury would not increase with the proposed cushion within the limits evaluated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA339408
Entities
People
- Chris E. Perry
Organizations
- Armstrong Laboratory