A Contemporary Survey of the Structural Performance Standards for Rotary Wing Aircraft Crashworthy Passenger Seating

This paper discusses the testing methods required for effectively and accurately evaluating seating systems in military rotorcraft. These methods are based on the information provided in military standards and specifications, civilian aircraft specifications, requirements for structural strength and decades of seat testing experience. The seating systems included in this paper consist of pilot and co-pilot seats, crew chief seats, gunner seats, flight engineer seats and troop seats. Details regarding the environmental, static, dynamic, ballistic, and fit testing that are necessary will be discussed. Special attention is paid to the need to adjust test set-ups based on whether the seat is forward facing, side facing, or rear facing. The need to have the full seating system tested as a unit, instead of being tested as components will be highlighted. Finally, the paper discusses the ability to qualify systems by similarity and appropriateness of using delta qualification programs. Reviews, and specific requirements for each, as well as the documentation and configuration management needs will be detailed.