LUNA INNOVATIONS INCORPORATED — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N191-015

Description

Musculoskeletal pain and discomfort have been known in the rotary wing community for at least 50 years. A combination of poor seat ergonomics and cockpit design dictated by crash dynamics in concert with whole body vibrations have resulted in airframes that actively promote poor posture and induce high rates of pain within the community. This endemic back pain within the community is accepted as “part of the job.” However, musculoskeletal pain at best represents a nuisance to the pilot and crew and at worst an operational hazard. To address this critical need, Luna Innovations proposes the development of a low-cost, low profile wearable musculoskeletal support system to mitigate fatigue and pain common to aviators. This technology will be known as the Air Crew Endurance System “ACES™” and will provide a realistic and rapidly implementable approach to providing relief to the military aviator. The design will be biomechanically informed to reinforce and promote good flight posture and support vulnerable musculature while being flexible enough to allow for critical flight movements. A wearable air crew endurance platform would provide the necessary musculoskeletal support and comfort required for high endurance operations without the need for costly and logistically challenging airframe modifications.