Helmet-mounted systems (HMS), such as night vision goggles and helmet-mounted displays, are designed to enhance pilot performance through improvements in situational awareness, target acquisition, and weapon delivery. Using HMS, however, may also affect pilot safety by increasing the potential for neck injury during ejection due to the increase in dynamic forces generated in the cervical spine as a result of the change in helmet inertial properties. The majority of these increased forces occur during the windblast and catapult phase of the ejection. Smaller crewmembers and those who eject with poor positioning are especially at risk. Previously, helmets were equipped with a chin-strap that would allow the helmet to separate from the crewmember during an ejection. However, new strap systems have been designed to stabilize the helmet and improve helmet retention so that HMS can be properly used. This stabilization system has demonstrated a higher probability of a neck injury occurring during an ejection. To balance the issues of helmet stability with helmet retention and neck injury, a new chinstrap system has been developed. This system has been demonstrated through laboratory and in-house testing to be a promising solution.
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