Human Factors Engineering Approach to the Development and Dynamic Evaluation of a Prototype Aircrew Seat for Military Aircraft.

摘要

This dissertation presents the results of an investigation which contrasted the currently available C-130A aircrew seat with two custom-made prototype/modified C-130 aircrew seats. Twelve active duty Air Force males participated in a series of dynamic vibration exposure tests which simulated the actual flying environment. Performance tasks, subjective surveys, spinal creep measurements and seat pan pressure measurements were accomplished. Analyses of variance were performed on data collected. Performance was noticeably better, especially during the third period, when subjects were seated in the modified aircrew seats. During the second time period, there were statistically significant differences between the three aircrew seats when performing the Pattern Comparison task. Aircrew general comfort was also responsive to seat type. In each of the three time periods there were statistically significant differences between seat types; hte modified aircrew seats being universally favored as the most comfortable seats. There were also significant differences between aircrew body part discomfort results. Both buttock and thigh discomfort proved to be statistically responsive to seat type. In each instance, the current seat was rated as causing far more pain and discomfort than the other seats. From a design standpoint, both the MOD-REG and MOD-CONF received much higher scores than did the current seat. (aw)