Initial, Cockpit Anthropometric Assessment of U.S. Navy T-6 Life Support Equipment
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to conduct an initial anthropometric cockpit assessment of proposed modifications to T-6 aircrew survival equipment in order to identify potential restrictions or interference with cockpit functions. The participants represented each Joint Primary Aviation Training System (JPATS) anthropometric Cases, 1 through 7. Methods. Seven flight students at Naval Aviation Schools Command were selected as Test Cases JPATS anthropometric dimensions by nearest Sitting Height (SH), Buttock-Knee Length (BKL), and Thumb-Tip Reach (TTR). Each Test Case was outfitted with Navy engineering change proposal student configuration of life support gear. Each subject's accommodation was evaluated in both cockpits: internal field of view (FOV), external over the nose (OTN) vision, reach to controls, overhead clearance, and safe ejection posture. Insufficient reach capabilities were measured to landing gear handle, emergency landing gear handle, parking brake handle, and some lower central main instrument panel switches with locked harness, with and without stretching shoulder and arm muscles against the restraint, and in two cases, unlocked harness at full payout. Inability to affect forward left control stick was also measured. Major findings. Proposed student life support gear configuration was compatible for anthropometric Test Cases 1 through 7. But during simultaneous multivariate dimension interaction for normal and emergency functionality and immediate ejection safety, the T-6A didn't filly (safely) accommodate the fill spectrum of anthropometric cases. Results. Test Case 1, small, was not able to reach landing gear, emergency landing gear, and parking brake handles, or affect forward left stick, even with unlocked harness. Test Case 7, overall small, was taller in SH than JPATS Case 7 and was not able to reach landing gear, emergency landing gear and parking brake while stretching against locked harness, despite adjusting the seat down from full up.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 05, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA476097
Entities
People
- James C. Hunt