Abstract
A valid anthropometric dataset is essential to optimize the design of personal equipment and aircrafts. Until recently there were no anthropometric data available for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) pilot population, and hence international military data have often been used in Defense procurement specifications. Currently, the Brazilian Aeronautical Industry is designing military aircraft using legacy U.S. military anthropometric data. Some accommodation problems have been identified among FAB pilots, highlighting the necessity to investigate this possible issue.The anthropometric data of the six critical body measurements indicative of cockpit design from the U.S military legacy databases were compared one at a time to the FAB corresponding anthropometric data in three ways: F-test, t-test, and 5th - 95th percentile limits. This study aimed to verify whether the U.S. Military Personnel legacy databases are applicable to the Brazilian pilot population for aircraft cockpit design purpose.Brazilian pilots were significantly (p < 0.05) different in body size when compared to the U.S. military personnel in legacy databases. The dimension that differ the most was Thumbtip Reach, demonstrating a difference in body proportion beyond that illustrated by the difference in body size.The reported anthropometric analyses can be used as relevant consideration in product, workplaces, and system design. The U.S. legacy databases were considered inappropriate for ergonomic cockpit design for the Brazilian Air Force pilots.Relevance to industry: When designing complex workplaces, systems, and personal protective devices, designers and ergonomists should use anthropometric data from a sample population that represents the body size variation expected in the target population. The anthropometric comparisons presented in this study are useful to design an ergonomic flight deck layout for both genders.
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