AC-130U Gunship AFT-Scanner Ergonomic Review: Design Solutions for Program Office

Abstract

Concerned about neck/back pain and diminished alertness attributed to awkwardness of AC-130U Spectre Gunship aft-scanner workstations, the Special Operations Forces Development System Office (SOF DSO) requested that the Crew System Ergonomics Information Analysis Center (CSERIAC) review the literature for design solutions. Aft-scanners recline face-down toward the aircraft's tail while leaning downward into a bubble window to detect launches of Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs). To scan territory below and to the sides of the Gunship, numerous head/neck movements are required. No neck/head rests exist to support the scanner during long missions over hostile territory. Diminished visual alertness can result from fatigue of maintaining the “unnatural” prone position. Long-term back and neck discomfort may follow. The comprehensive CSERIAC literature review verified adverse physiological effects and identified specific design solutions, including ones used during World War II flight tests. The DSO has already implemented several of these solutions and may implement additional solutions to increase mission effectiveness.