An experimental study on the ergonomics indices of partial pressure suits ?
Partial pressure suits (PPSs) are used under high altitude, low-pressure conditions to protect the pilots. However, the suit often limits pilots mobility and work efficiency. The lack of ergonomic data on the effects of PPSs on mobility and performance creates difficulties for human factor engineers and cockpit layout specialists. This study investigated the effects of PPSs on different ergonomic mobility and performance indices in order to evaluate the suits impact on pilots body mobility and work efficiency. Three types of ergonomics indices were studied: the manipulative mission, operational reach and operational strength. Research results indicated that a PPS significantly affects the mobility and operational performance of the wearers. The results may provide mission planners and human factors engineers with better insight into the understanding of pilots operational function, mobility and strength capabilities when wearing PPS.
ergonomics indices partial pressure suits operational performance