Developing Requirements and Performing Early Workspace Analysis of Army Systems and Platforms

Application of human figure modeling tools and techniques has proven to be a valuable asset in the effort to examine man-machine interface problems through the evaluation of 3D CAD models of workspace designs. Digital human figure modeling has also become a key tool to help ensure that Human Systems Integration (HSI) requirements are met for US Army weapon systems and platforms. However, challenges still exist to the effective application of human figure modeling especially with regard to military platforms. For example, any accommodation analysis of these systems must not only account for the physical dimensions of the target Soldier population but also the specialized mission clothing and equipment such as body armor, hydration packs, extreme cold weather gear and chemical protective equipment to name just a few. Other design aspects such as seating, blast mitigation components, controls and communication equipment are often unique to military platforms and present special challenges to implementing an effective design that maximizes Soldier performance. However, with regard to military acquisition programs, without HSI work and specifications integrated into the program in the Statement of Work and contract attachments, it becomes difficult to require the contractor to redesign or mitigate issues found when performing human figure modeling. Effective techniques for developing HSI contract language to appropriately incorporate human figure modeling and apply it early in the acquisition process are detailed in this paper.