A Lightweight Frame-Style Troop Seat for Naval Helicopters

This proposal outlines a program to develop a new lightweight troop seat that will weigh significantly less than those now in use. The concept uses both innovative design features as well as advanced materials to achieve this goal. The seat will provide superior crashworthiness to those now in use while maintaining or exceeding the comfort levels, operational convenience, and reliability now achieved. In the proposed 5-month Phase I program a materials investigation and tradeoff will be conducted to assure use of the latest developments and most efficient materials in the various components. The concept design will be matured, supported by structural analyses using finite element methods, and a CAD-generated design package completed. In the two-month Phase I Option proposed, test readiness measures will be enacted for testing in the Phase II effort. This will involve procurement of long-lead items (subject to approval by the Navy), engineering development of test fixtures, and energy absorber component test initiatives.