Seat Interfaces for Aircrew Performance and Safety

Advanced prototype seat cushions were developed and tested to a draft specification to deliver increased comfort and performance to Airmen in confined environments while maintaining safety. Two prototype cushions were chosen as viable replacements to the ACES II cushion: an active air bladder cushion developed by Goodrich AIP for long duration missions and a contoured, rate-sensitive foam cushion developed by Oregon Aero. Research efforts included multi-hour comfort testing of cushions, environmental, anthropometric accommodation, impact testing to ensure safety, ejection sled testing, modeling, and developmental flight testing. 88ABW Cleared 03/13/2015; 88ABW-2015-1053.