GS Engineering Services, Inc. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N171-026

Description

Currently, mobile aircrew who serve in rotary wing and vertical lift platforms relay on a manually adjustable tether connected to the CMU-37/P Aircrew Endurance Vest for their primary restraint system while not seated. Aircrew members are at great risk of injury because they may be required to move around within the cabin at any time during the flight to perform various essential job functions. At times they are even required to lean out of the aircraft to accomplish assigned tasks of the mission. The crewmembers currently rely on a restraint method consisting of the 10-foot long manually adjustable tether that attaches to the vest via a cross-connector strap between the left and right hand restraint strap assemblies, that is attached to tie down points in the aircraft. The manually adjustable tether is the sole deficiency in this product, as it relies on the user to continually monitor the tether length and adjust appropriately throughout the mission. The GS Engineering design will interpret G-loads and lock the strap. An additional design feature will allow the wearer to have the ability to override the lock will be integrated, as planned high G-loads should not restrict the user.