Engineers perform anthropometry testing on C-130

Scott Fleming (left) measures the position of the chair as Dr. Greg Zehner (right) adjusts Senior Master Sgt. David Graak's head as part of anthropometric testing. Dr. Zehner and Mr. Fleming are anthropology scientists from Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, while Sergeant Graak is a volunteer from Air Mobility Command Test and Evaluation Squadron Detachment 3. Anthropometry is the study of human measurements, dimensions and proportions and is sometimes used to determine what range of people can use certain types of machinery or equipment. (Courtesy photo)

Engineers perform anthropometry testing on C-130

Published Sept. 30, 2008
By Dayl Thomas
773rd Test Squadron

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Human factors engineers with the 773rd Test Squadron conducted anthropometry testing Sept. 2 to 8 using a Kentucky Air National Guard C-130 Hercules, currently being modified through the avionics modernization program.

Anthropometry is the study of human measurements, dimensions and proportions and is sometimes used to determine what range of people can use certain types of machinery or equipment.

Earlier testing indicated a need to use anthropometric measurements because some C-130 AMP test pilots were having trouble seeing all of the symbols in the new heads-up display.

Once the decision was made to determine the minimum and maximum dimensions required for using the HUD, reaching the controls and rudder pedals, the human factors engineers measured volunteers from all over the base to see if their unique measurements and dimensions where suitable for the test. Twenty-one people were selected for the official test.

Scientists who ran the official test were Dr. Greg Zehner, Dr. Jeff Hudson and Scott Fleming, from the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

Participants were chosen for their specific range of anthropometry measurements and were asked to sit in the pilot's seat of the C-130. The AFRL representatives asked the participants what they could see in the HUD in a variety of different seat positions.

All positions were evaluated one notch at a time. Yoke interference with the participants' upper thighs was evaluated next, followed by rudder pedal reach and finally the ability to reach the instruments, controls and displays.