Systemic Safety Improvements for Aircraft Carrier Launch Operations

During the preparation to launch aircraft from the carrier, deck crews must work very close to the aircraft to complete their tasks. The area near the aircraft presents a dangerous area, especially for modern aircraft such as the Joint Strike Fighter, which has very powerful engines and extremely high noise levels. Creare proposes to address this problem by developing systemic safety improvements for aircraft carrier launch operations. Our goal is to develop technologies and process changes which can move these personnel out of the danger area or eliminate the positions entirely. During Phase I, we will thoroughly evaluate the launch process, and devise devices, methods, and procedures which either move the Weight Board Operator and the Jet Blast Deflector (JBDO) Operator out of the launch area or eliminate these positions entirely. During Phase I, we will also design, fabricate, and evaluate a new Weight Board design as well as a sensor network which monitors the JBD area for fouling. Phase I testing will help identify issues with possible approaches and synthesize solutions to address these issues. Phase I is intended to select the optimal approach, and Phase II will include the detailed development of a system which can be tested on a carrier.