ACES II EJECTION SEAT COOPERATIVE MODIFICATION PROJECTIMPROVED STABILITY SUBSYSTEM UPDATE

摘要

The USAF and the JASDF entered into the CMP (Cooperative Modification Project) to jointly develop improvements for the ACES II seat. The USAF was responsible for developing an improved drogue parachute system referred to as the Enhanced Drogue System. The JASDF was responsible for developing limb restraint and accommodation improvements. Specific requirements for the Enhanced Drogue System were to improve the highspeed stability of the seat and decrease the MDRC (Multi-axial Dynamic Response Criteria). A new reefed version of the drogue parachute and a rocket motor to deploy the drogue were developed for this system. Extensive component, subsystem, and system testing has been completed. The resulting system improves medium and high-speed stability by ensuring rapid deployment of the drogue under all conditions. Seat dynamic oscillations are reduced in magnitude and are damped more rapidly. MDRC values are reduced and are more consistent at the high-speed end of the envelope. This improvement for the ACES II is a significant safety improvement for all aircrew sizes and is anticipated to be available for retrofit into the ACES II seat in CY 04 following final refinement activities by Goodrich/UPCO. Key features of the enhanced drogue system, sled test performance, and final refinements are reviewed.