HELICOPTER SEAT SAFETY SYSTEM

摘要

A helicopter safety system provides an increased likelihood of survivability without injury during "survivable" helicopter crashes. The system includes a spinal compression means (212) for precompressing an operator's spine in response to a crash signal from a crash sensor (206). Also included is a strap tensioning means (202) for tensioning an inertia reel strap (125) and thus restraining the operator's upper body more effectively in the helicopter seat. Preferably, the strap tensioning means (202) is initiated simultaneously with the spinal compression means (212). Also included are energy absorbers (214) connected to the seat pan (131), for example, between the seat pan (131) and the seat frame (133), and airbags connected to the harness. The harness also includes a cross coupling element to provide for a lateral support configuration.