Aircrew-Mounted Self-Adjusting Tether System

Wolf is developing an aircrew-mounted helicopter restraint system for mobile aircrew that prevents ejection from the aircraft and provides crash and fall protection. It attaches to any D-ring currently used to attach the gunner's belt, and requires no modification to the aircraft to use. It automatically manages the slack between the aircrew and the attachment point. It senses motion associated with a crash or fall and locks the webbing from further extraction, ratcheting the lock when the aircrew moves closer to the attach point. It features a payout control that allows the user to set the maximum working length, so that ejection is never allowed. It adjusts in length to support the aircrew weight when leaning out the door or into a floor hatch, leaving aircrew hands free to perform mission tasks. It does not nuisance lock when experiencing violent aircraft maneuvers or wind effects. It can be unlocked after an event without returning to the aircraft attach point. It is compatible with the Aircrew Endurance Vest and all other similar aircrew vests.