Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, This report focuses on the metabolic rates of front-and rear-seated crewmembers operating military rotary-wing aircraft. A review of the literature was performed and summarized to include U.S. Army and NATO aircraft. Based on the findings of this report, piloting such aircraft requires very light to light metabolic intensities (105-240 watts). Preflight activities and crewmember duties are considered moderate metabolic intensity (206-490 watts). The operational scenario for military aviators is described along with a brief explanation of U.S. Army helicopters including a summary of general crewmember tasks. Since heat stress is a limiting factor in the helicopter cockpit, a summary of temperature data is also included. Although temperature control devices have shown some success in alleviating heat stress in the cockpit, there is still evidence of decrements in aviator performance mainly due to wearing impermeable chemical protective clothing.
SUBJECT TERMS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThis report focuses on the metabolic rates of front-and rear-seated crewmembers operating military rotary-wing aircraft. A review of the literature was performed and summarized to include U.S. Army and NATO aircraft. Based on the findings of this report, piloting such aircraft requires very light to light metabolic intensities (105-240 watts). Preflight activities and crewmember duties are considered moderate metabolic intensity (206-490 watts). The operational scenario for military aviators is described along with a brief explanation of U.S. Army helicopters including a summary of general crewmember tasks. Since heat stress is a limiting factor in the helicopter cockpit, a summary of temperature data is also included. Although temperature control devices have shown some success in alleviating heat stress in the cockpit, there is still evidence of decrements in aviator performance mainly due to wearing impermeable chemical protective clothing.