Assessment of Cabin Dimensions to Accommodate Infantry Soldiers for the Future Vertical Lift/Joint Multi-Role Medium-Class Aircraft

摘要

An assessment was conducted to determine the minimum cabin dimensions to accommodate infantry Soldiers for the Future Vertical Lift/Joint Multi-Role (FVL/JMR) medium-class aircraft. An adjustable mockup was used to conduct the assessment. The dimensions assessed included seat space widths, cabin ceiling heights, aisle widths, seating configurations, and cabin door widths. Emergency egress trials were conducted to assess the impact of cabin ceiling height on the ability of Soldiers to quickly and safely exit the aircraft. The assessment augmented human-figure modeling of cabin dimensions conducted for the FVL/JMR. Eighteen infantry Soldiers assigned to the Experimental Force at Fort Benning, GA, participated in the assessment. The combat gear they wore was comparable to the Rifle Platoon Basic Load. The Soldiers performed several ingress and egress trials to assess the minimum cabin dimension requirements. Recommendations for the minimum cabin dimensions were 23-in. seat spacing, 66-in. cabin ceiling height, 72-in. floor width, and 32-in. door width. These dimensions will help ensure that Soldiers have adequate space to effectively reposition their upper torso, arms, legs, and feet to minimize fatigue when seated, carry and maneuver their gear during ingress and egress, safely and quickly ingress and egress the cabin, and load supplies and equipment in the cabin.