ACES II Pre-Planned Product Improvement (P3I) Program Update

Abstract

Ejection seats are inherently unstable during high and low speed ejections unless positive stabilization devices are incorporated. Today's expanded 103 to 245 pound aircrew size range further challenges seat stability. The USAF ACES II seat is by far the most stable ejection seat in the world under low speed conditions. The ACES II is stabilized at zero to low airspeed with the STAPAC rocket assembly, and is aerodynamically stabilized at high speed by the STAPAC and a 5.0 ft. hemisflo ribbon drogue parachute. The USAF developed the Enhanced Drogue System, as part of the US/Japan Cooperative Modification Project, which improves high-speed seat stability and reduces the aircrew injury risk. Goodrich, the seat OEM, and the USAF analyzed the Enhanced Drogue design under the ACES P31 Program and identified minor modifications that sled testing has shown further reduces the risk of injury without negatively impacting stability or terrain clearance.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA446500

Entities

People

  • Ben Sabo
  • John Hampton
  • Matthew Press

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircraft Canopies
  • Aircrafts
  • Assembly
  • Clearances
  • Ejection
  • Ejection Seats
  • Escape Systems
  • Maintenance
  • Maintenance Personnel
  • Military Aircraft
  • Optimization
  • Parachutes
  • Qualifications
  • Seats
  • Sled Tests
  • Standards
  • Urban Areas

Readers

  • Aerial Delivery - Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Explosive Engineering.