Small, cheap, low-energy electronics and ICT create the opportunity to collect all kind of data of a human being in operational circumstances. These data facilitate the optimisation en effectiveness of the human efforts. Simple examples such as heart rate monitors optimising phys
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Small, cheap, low-energy electronics and ICT create the opportunity to collect all kind of data of a human being in operational circumstances. These data facilitate the optimisation en effectiveness of the human efforts. Simple examples such as heart rate monitors optimising physical exertion or hypoxia sensors measuring blood saturation are already available but an overall vision on the integration seems to be lacking.
These sensors are currently not integrated in the cockpit or suits of the pilots. Most sensors are medical sensors and used in calm, controlled environments. This type of equipment is not developed for operational (heavy) use. A future vision needs to be created on how these elements can be bundled and integrated, providing some kind of framework for future reference and developments in wearable technology for military aviation.
In this project, extensive research was done towards currently existing wearables both in the consumer- as in the military market. After benchmarking these wearables, comprehensively mapping out the context (the Chinook helicopter crew) and analysing important future qualities of military aviation, specifically for the Chinook crew, a design brief has been created. The conclusion of the analysis, combined with the determined future qualities and the design brief, enabled the project to be divided into so called ‘design challenges’. These design challenges have an important recurring role in the whole project and will be discussed at every phase. Through working out these design challenges step by step along every phase and going in depth in some of them by creating a prototype, a possible framework for the future vision has been built, on which a future design concept could be created.
The final proposed design includes currently relevant sensors in military aviation and novel technologies based on current research and observations. It addresses all the design challenges and qualities and could be used to inspire future developments in this particular area in military aviation.
