H-60A/L Passenger Airbag Protection: Vertical and Horizontal Impact Tests
Abstract
A series of dynamic impact tests were conducted using H-60A/L helicopter troop seats, a rigid seat, and two different sized manikins in order to determine the efficacy of prototype helicopter passenger airbag restraints. The restraints included the standard H-60A/L restraint and an airbag restraint configuration developed and fabricated specifically for this program by AmSafe. The equipment was tested at three impact orientations, including Combined Vertical, Pure Vertical and Pure Horizontal, and at different acceleration and energy levels ranging from 16-35G. Acceleration, force, and moment data collected on the manikins were compared to standard injury criteria established by the Full Spectrum Crashworthiness Report (Bolukbasi et al, 2011). During initial testing, structural failures of the seat and severe submarining of the manikin were seen which prevented comparison of the airbag restraint and standard restraint. Modifications to the H-60A/L seat hangers, seatpan fabric, and restraint were necessary to allow for the restraints to be compared at the acceleration and energy levels of this program. With the structural improvements, the airbag restraints demonstrated a higher level of protection than the standard restraint when comparing manikin response to the injury criteria used for the study.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA588089
Entities
People
- Chris Albery
- Nathan L. Wright
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory