Impulse Noise Levels of the UH-60A/L Black Hawk Helicopter Cockpit Air Bag System - Enhanced Lateral Air Bags

摘要

A Cockpit Air Bag System (CABS) is being developed for the UH-60A/L Black Hawk helicopter. Earlier aeromedical evaluations of CABS revealed a potential injury risk associated with the lateral air bag component. An enhanced lateral air bag was developed and a series of 12 deployment tests was conducted. Impulse noise levels ranged from 144.8 dB peak sound pressure level (SPL) to 162.4 dB peak SPL with B-durations up to 172.6 ms. Although each air bag deployment resulted in impulse noise levels exceeding the 140 dB peak SPL limit specified by U.S. Army guidelines, since rotary-wing aircrew and passengers are required to wear hearing protection, no increased risk to hearing is anticipated from a single deployment of the CABS enhanced lateral air bag.