Evaluation of the Effects of Visually Coupled Systems on the Biodynamic Responseto Simulated Ejection Accelerations

摘要

The deployment of helmet-mounted visually coupled systems such as night visiondevices and helmet mounted displays is being investigated to assist in demanding day and nighttime aircraft operations. In response to this, six prototype helmet systems and two baseline helmets were subjected to simulated ejection environments (+ Gz impact accelerations) using human and manikin subjects and a vertical deceleration tower to determine the head/neck injury potential. Injury potential was a concern due to increased head supported weight and altered center-of-gravity provided by helmet mounted visually coupled systems. Analysis of the test results indicates that the six prototype helmets will generate neck loads in an ACES II ejection that are potentially no greater risk than baseline helmets in a B-52 ejection environment. The prototype helmets were potentially a greater risk than the baseline helmets in a B-52 ejection environment.