Multi-Axis Vibration Mitigation and Habitability Improvement for Seated Occupants Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Topic No.: N101-026 Topic Title: Multi-Axis Vibration Mitigation and Habitability Improvement for Seated Occupants Proposal No.: N101-026-0463 Firm: SAFE, Inc. 5032 S. Ash Avenue, Ste. 101 Tempe, Arizona 85282-6842 Contact: Stan Desjardins Phone: (480) 820-2032 Web Site: http://www.safeinc.us Abstract: Propeller-driven aircraft produce vibrations that have a deleterious and potentially harmful effect to people exposed to their operational environment for extended durations. The E-2C aircraft has a high vibration environment, long duration missions, and a seat that produces impingements and "hot spots", making the aircraft particularly dangerous and uncomfortable for occupants. A new propeller design has been marginally successful at reducing the blade passage frequency vibrations, but the propeller rotation frequency vibrations and seat comfort remain less than desirable. Previous studies have shown that incorporating various seat cushions has a beneficial effect at reducing seat vibrations in a single axis, but they have poor performance in multi-axis vibration environments. Safe, Inc. proposes a novel seat architecture that implements both passive and active components to achieve the desired multi-directional shock and vibration protection and the sought after improvements in seat ergonomics. The proposed seat design will meet the requirements for all five seating positions of interest in E-2C. Benefits: The primary benefactor of the proposed technology is the E-2C Program of Record. Dual use applications include all US military propeller-driven fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, most especially the C-130. Approved foreign militaries that inventory these types of aircraft would also prove to be viable secondary target markets. The technology could also be extended to military tactical ground vehicles (especially HTVs), military amphibious vehicles or watercraft exposed to explosive shock or wave slamming. Tertiary commercial markets could include use on trains, buses, agricultural and mining vehicles. Return