Helicopter Aircrew Restraint

The purpose of this project is to develop a helicopter restraint system for mobile aircrew members that will protect the crew in the full range of dynamic flight environments. The new restraint technology will supply a continuum of restraint level that will automatically adapt to the severity of the flight dynamics of the aircraft, while still allowing crewmembers the necessary freedom of movement during normal flight conditions. It will activate immediately upon relative motion between the aircraft and crewmember, and will dissipate the energy associated with aircraft dynamics. The technology will be aircraft-independent, so that it can be retrofitted into existing airframes, or incorporated into new designs of more modern aircraft. This Phase II effort will culminate in building and demonstrating prototypes of the restraint system.