Pilots of the MH-60S helicopter are exposed to continuous whole body vibration (WBV). Pilot fatigue is a growing operational concern due to the increased frequency of extended durations of missions (6-8+hours) in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Endurance aspects of the currently used rotary wing seating systems were not optimized for the longer missions and wide range of pilot anthropometric measurements, which is now typical of naval aviation. The current seating systems were designed primarily to meet crashworthiness requirements, not for the wide range of pilot anthropometry or to mitigate WBV. Albeit, an issue, pilot fatigue and reduced mission effectiveness are also critical concerns. Current Hazard Reports (HAZREP) indicated that pain in both pilots' legs and backs begin 2 to 4 hours into the flight and increase with time. Situational awareness also decreases with an increase in flight duration due to the constant distraction of pilots shifting in their seats while flying to get comfortable. From (1987) reported a dose-response relationship between the length of military helicopter flights and back discomfort. He also concluded that this pain is typically dull, over the lower back, and its prevalence and intensity are dependent on the total flight hours of exposure.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Whole Body Vibration Exposure for MH-60S Pilots


    Contributors:
    K. L. Harrer (author) / D. Yniguez (author) / M. Majar (author) / D. Ellenbecker (author) / N. Estrada (author)

    Publication date :

    2005


    Size :

    13 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Back pain and exposure to whole body vibration in helicopter pilots

    Bongers, P.M. / Hulshof, C.T.J. / Dijkstra, L. et al. | Tema Archive | 1990


    GENERALIZED MEASURE OF VIBRATION EXPOSURE FOR HELICOPTER PILOTS

    Tamer, A. / Zanoni, A. / Cocco, A. et al. | TIBKAT | 2020


    Whole-body vibration exposure in Indian buses

    Sujatha, C. / Phaskara Rao, P.V. / Narayanan, S. | Tema Archive | 1995


    Whole Body Vibration Exposure in Urban Buses

    Boileau, P.-E. / Boutin, J. / Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1992


    Whole-body vibration exposure in Indian buses

    Sujatha,C. / Phaskara Rao,P.V. / Narayanan,S. et al. | Automotive engineering | 1995