Shin Clearance in the Hawk Mk115
Abstract
In 2006, the Canadian Forces (CF) transitioned to a new anthropometric selection standard for pilots. The new standard bases acceptance and rejection on whether individuals are physically compatible with the cockpits of all current aircraft; the previous standard was not aircraft specific. As a result, cockpit compatibility assessments are not currently available for student pilots who were admitted under the previous standard. In July 2007, a pilot slated to train on the Hawk suspected he was too large for the cockpit. This prompted a series of events including an anthropometric assessment of current Hawk pilots and a review of the screening process and limits currently in place. Ten pilots from 15 Wing and an external pilot were recruited to participate in a field trial designed to assess the shin clearance limits of the Hawk Mk 115. Clearance measurements between the shins and the main instrument panel were taken with the seat completely down or up, in summer and winter clothing. The minimum distance between the shins and the instrument panel was recorded with the rudder pedals in neutral and full left positions. In addition, the largest subject was assessed in the Hawk ejection trainer. The objective was twofold: 1) to observe the effect of seat movement on shin clearance and 2) to determine whether the trainer could be used as a cockpit compatibility assessment tool. The results indicate that there is scope for a small increase in the current anthropometric limits with respect to shin clearance. However, the significance of this increase in terms of population accommodation depends on which option is retained. The recommended option would provide a risk-balanced limit that accepts a reduced ejection clearance zone between the knees and the rearview mirrors. This would increase accommodation by about 2.5%. It was also determined that the ejection simulator was not sufficiently similar to the actual cockpit to be used as a cockpit compatibility assessment tool.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA477620
Entities
People
- Pierre Meunier
Organizations
- Defence Research and Development Canada