Inflatable aerodynamic stabilizers offer potential improvements in ejection seat performance for current and future seats. This paper details the results of the system studies performed by Martin-Baker Aircraft to assess the efficacy of such devices and the feasibility of integrating such a system on an ejection seat. The inflatable stabilizers have been developed by Vertigo Inc. and are described in detail in Reference. Preliminary work was first carried out to enable the characterization and optimization of the stabilizer configuration on the standard NACES seat. Potential mounting locations were evaluated and initial stabilizer length and diameter were assessed. The static aerodynamics of the stabilizers were first calculated in isolation in order to quantify their magnitude and provide input for the Martin-Baker 6 degree of freedom ejection seat simulation. Next the stabilizer aerodynamics were superimposed on the static aerodynamics of the seat to predict the stable angle of flight of a seat fitted with stabilizers and to enable the design to be modified to give any desired stable angle. The stabilizer aerodynamics were used in the 6 degree of freedom model to examine the effect of the stabilizers on actual test cases. The optimum configuration was then derived from these results. Computational Flow Dynamics (CFD) analysis of the chosen configuration was then carried out by CFDRC Inc. to confirm the results of the simple aerodynamic analysis and to provide improved data for the 6 degree of freedom numerical model. Finally the validated aerodynamic data was used to predict the performance of the seat with and without stabilizers in a number of configurations. This enabled assessment of the benefits that may be derived by their addition to the seat and their effect on the physiological loads experienced by the seat occupant.
Application of inflatable aerodynamic stabilizers on an ejection seat
1997
10 Seiten
Conference paper
English
The Application of Inflatable Aerodynamic Stabilizers on an Ejection Seat
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