Capabilities of Small Stature Women to Perform Operational Flight Tasks During G-Stress. (Abstracts)

摘要

To accommodate the needs of women in participating in expanded combat roles, NAWCAD is investigating the dynamic strength capabilities of small stature females (54.4 kg (120 lb.) or less) to eject, support added head weight, and fly under G-stress. Within the scope of these tests, small stature females demonstrated the strength and endurance to safely fly physically strenuous missions and safely initiate ejection during severe physically taxing dynamic conditions. However, cockpit accommodation and pilot reach limits may hinder the small stature pilot during flight emergencies requiring full stick authority or ejection during flat spin and arrestment. Additionally, some small stature female pilots may not be able to properly position their heads due to a combination of inadequate restraint and lack of sufficient neck strength to read critical displays during flat spin recovery conditions and arrestment.