APM outfitting complements can be defined as the equipment needed daily, for the crew to perform nominal tasks, this equipment not being part of the structure.
As such, their utilization is the major guideline for the design and they must be considered at system level in order to evaluate all aspects of the situation. For example, the APM configuration will change from launch to completion. What are the consequences for the utilization and design of APM outfitting complements?
In order to help the design of APM outfitting complements and to get a better understanding of their utilization for nominal operations, many of them have been tested in Europe in Parabolic Flights or in Neutral Buoyancy Tests. Among others, crew restraints (banister, foot restraints), equipment restraints (tether, velcro, tool box…), seat-track as common interface, and the concept of removable equipment have been tested and indeed interesting and surprising conclusions have been drawn.
This paper will show how a clear identification of the crew needs completed by some testing can drastically modify the original assumptions and in many cases lighten the design.