Forces required to jettison a simulated S92 passenger exit: Optimal helicopter underwater egress training techniques

• Published in: International journal of industrial ergonomics Vol. 44; no. 4; pp. 544 - 550
• Main Authors: Taber, Michael J., Sweeney, Dana H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.07.2014; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Exit simulation; Force plate; Helicopters; Offshore; Protocol; Simulation; Skill acquisition; Training; Underwater egress; Skill acquisition; Underwater egress; Force plate; Exit simulation
• ISSN: 0169-8141; 1872-8219
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ergon.2014.05.002

This paper outlines the first known examination of the forces required to jettison a simulated exit used during helicopter underwater egress training (HUET). To capture the forces placed on the simulated cabin exit, a purpose build force plate was designed to replace an existing simulator exit used during HUET. A 25-point map was created to identify specific jettison forces required across the entire exit surface. Ten participants completed a total of 120 underwater egress sequences in–air and in-water from a normal flight and fully compressed crash attenuating seat position. The results indicate that the force required to jettison the simulated exit is significantly different in relationship to location on the exit surface. From the results, it can be concluded that helicopter underwater egress training protocols should ensure that offshore candidates are informed of the different force requirements as well as have the opportunity to practice jettisoning a high physical fidelity exit from a fully compressed crash attenuating seat. Relevance to industry: This is the first paper to investigate the forces required to jettison a simulated S92 exit used in an underwater egress simulator. The combined exit force map and maximal voluntary jettison force data provide a greater understanding of influencing factors associated with training offshore personnel to egress a ditched helicopter. •First study to explore simulated helicopter exit jettison forces.•Voluntary jettison forces were below those required to remove exit in 56% of cases.•50% of participants did not generate enough maximal force to jettison the exit.