Project Areas

Occupant Safety

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Aircrew Protection - Fixed Wing

Both the fixed and rotary wing military cockpit are hazardous environments in an emergency situation, with a very high probability for injury, ranging from minor to fatal. CIC have completed many studies whereby aircrew protection and injury hazard reduction have been foremost. The helicopter and fast-jet cockpit and the procedures employed during such emergencies differ greatly, primarily due to crash-landings in helicopters and ejection from fast-jets.

For fast-jets, computer modelling techniques (FE and rigid body) and physical testing have been employed to promote safety in the cockpit in the prevention and reduction of injury severity due to ejection, throughout the speed and altitude envelope.

Biomechanical studies have been undertaken to assess human tolerances under high acceleration levels during the ejection sequence.

In and out-of cockpit studies have been conducted assessing the 'windblast' phenomenon and the combined inertial and aerodynamic forces exerted on aircrew and the interaction of their aircrew equipment assemblies (AEA), e.g. helmet.

Extensive work has been conducted on helmets and helmet mounted systems in this area with respect to mass and inertial distribution in and around the helmet and the consequences with respect to head and neck loads, again for both day and night operations.

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