AIRLIFT: ENABLING BLAST PROTECTION AND RAPID, STABILIZED VEHICLE EXTRACTION

The AirLift is a novel device that enables rapid stabilized extraction of injured personnel from a ground vehicle. When deployed from its pre-installed position as a seat cover, the AirLift rigidizes for stabilizing the occupant’s spine by pressurizing an inflatable panel. After extraction from the vehicle with the occupant stabilized in the seated position, the AirLift can convert to a backboard so that the occupant can be safely transported in the supine position. The inflatable panel was designed and tested to provide stiffness while also being durable and manufacturable at volume. Pressure mapping tests were also performed to demonstrate that the AirLift did not change seat comfort compared to the standard seat.

Citation: A. Purekar, G. Hiemenz, P. Gillis, “AirLift: Enabling Blast Protection and Rapid, Stabilized Vehicle Extraction”, In Proceedings of the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology Symposium (GVSETS), NDIA, Novi, MI, Aug. 11-13, 2020.