Smart Restraint System (SRS)

Rear helicopter aircrew need to move around to perform their missions. They often kneel or stand while moving around and working in the rear of the aircraft, which means that they cannot be restrained to their seats in the same way as the pilots can. Because of this necessity for movement they are exposed to the danger of potentially serious injury, particularly during high-g evasive maneuvers, and of course, in crash situations. Payload Systems Inc. (PSI) proposes to solve this problem through the development of an innovative Smart Restraint System (SRS) combining active and passive energy absorbing elements that will allow free movement under normal flight conditions, but intuitively adjust the level of restraint in response to aircraft flight maneuvers, or impending crash. This would permit the crewmember to perform his or her duties without being distracted by having to pay attention to the aircraft's movements in order to avoid injury. The result would be reduced stress and improved mission effectiveness.