Masters Theses
Date of Award
12-1989
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Major
Aviation Systems
Major Professor
Ralph D. Kimberlin
Committee Members
Donald D. Tippett, R. S. R.
Abstract
Within the last two decades, ergonomic research and studies have revealed that until the present, improper emphasis has been placed on the interface between man and machine in the work environment; especially in aviation cockpit design.
Recently, the United States Navy began to procure 48 new Light Airborne Multi Purpose System (LAMPS) Mark I (MK I) SH-2F Sea Sprite helicopters from the Kaman Aerospace Corporation because the new LAMPS MK III SH-60B Sea Hawk was too large to land aboard many of the Navy's older ships. The LAMPS MK I first flew in 1959.
The rationale to retain identical configuration with existing fleet SH-2F aircraft was not sound, in that the SH-2F cockpit is plagued with numerous human factors deficiencies. Thus, it was the purpose of this thesis to conduct an ergonomic engineering evaluation of the SH-2F cockpit and to formulate recommendations for correction of deficiencies.
The ergonomic engineering evaluation of the SH-2F helicopter cockpit consisted of both ground and flight tests. Portions of various military specifications were used during the evaluation, however, human factors design principles learned during thesis research served as the primary basis for thesis construction.
With respect to crew station comfort at night, providing pilots with night vision goggles (NVG) is in the author's opinion, the most significant ergonomic development of this decade. The SH-2F cockpit should be immediately modified for NVG compatibility. In order to help alleviate the scan break down problem encountered during flight in instrument 111 meteorological conditions, it is recommended that all-attitude indicators similar to those found in most tactical jet aircraft be incorporated immediately in place of the existing attitude indicators. Additionally, numerous other ergonomic design deficiencies requiring correction as well as deficiencies too costly to correct were found.
Similar design principles used during the ergonomic engineering evaluation of the SH-2F cockpit could easily be applied to other older aircraft. Costs incurred in redesigning older aircraft cockpits are Justifiable and necessary in that proper ergonomic placement of a poorly located switch may be all that is necessary to prevent an aircraft accident.
Recommended Citation
Vanaria, Anthony, "An ergonomic engineering evaluation of the SH-2F helicopter cockpit. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1989.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/13104