Crew Comfort No Backseat Concern for AFRL

  • Published
  • By Nathan Wright and Scott Fleming
  • 711th Human Performance Wing
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Air Force Research Laboratory engineers didn't take requests from deployed troops lightly, but they did take the feedback sitting down--literally. Fortunately for personnel engaged in long-duration flights, this approach--founded in complex and interrelated human factors considerations--proved effective for resolving the physical discomforts of sitting for prolonged periods during these lengthy missions. To address this well-documented operational need, the lab's Biosciences and Performance Division, Vulnerability Analysis Branch developed, tested, and delivered dramatically improved seat cushion technology.

The engineers evaluated multiple cushion technologies in terms of comfort, impact safety, ejection sled compatibility/performance, environmental factors, and aircrew feedback gathered during simulator testing. The cushion best satisfying these assessments--and ultimately chosen for flight test--employs "air bladder" technology, which incorporates a small motor and battery pack to cycle air in order to alternate pressure and promote blood flow to the occupant's extremities. The selected cushion is more comfortable than the standard, ACES II [Advanced Concept Ejection Seat] variety and just as safe. Adding to these advantages is the new cushion's capacity for drop-in replacement of current ACES II products.

Coordination with the AFRL Flight Safety Office, the B-2 System Program Office, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, and Air Combat Command facilitated AFRL's fall 2009 delivery of the new cushion to the 509th Bomb Wing for 4-month developmental flight test. The technology subsequently underwent F-16 operational flight test--19 sorties totaling ~23 flight hours--at the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC), Edwards Air Force Base, California. Test results prompted AFFTC's affirmation of the cushion's suitability for further in-field evaluation in operational aircraft. Accordingly, long-duration operational flight test aboard foreign military sale ferry-flight aircraft is slated for spring 2010.