COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF AIRCRAFT SEATING ACCOMMODATION

Abstract : Three inter-related purposes were accomplished: (1) A series of seats currently in use in operational aircraft were comparatively tested for adequacy in limiting pilot and crew fatigue and discomfort. (2) Several subjective methods of comfort testing were devised and evaluated to determine efficient and economical means of seat evaluation. (3) The test data were analyzed for basic information about the nature and progression of seating discomfort. The approach was experimental, using techniques and orientations of an inter-disciplinary research team. Eighteen subjects, selected to represent a wide range of the body sizes in the Air Force population, were seated in each of six seats for tests up to 7 hours in duration. Six by six Latin Squares were utilized for purposes of counterbalancing. Sunmaries of data and discussions of statistical techniques are presented in appendices. Results are summarized in an introductory overview and in the conclusions section. Results of several comfort testing techniques were found consistent one with the others. Statistical separation of the seats was demonstrated in analyses of data from voluntary sitting time and other techniques. Statistical treatment of sitting time data from twelve subjects gave essentially the same results as those obtained with 18 subjects. Localized discomfort in the back and buttocks was found more important than discomfort in the thighs, neck, shoulders and lower legs in producing general discomfort. Seat parts were analyzed for their relative importances in achieving comfortable seating.