ABSTRACT
Military pilot selection is an effective way to lower the training cost, ensure the safety of pilots and aircraft, and improve the military efficiency, which involves a comprehensive evaluation of medical fitness, psychology and flying aptitude of a pilot candidate.The concept and classification of comprehensive evaluation methods were introduced in this paper.Comprehensive evaluation methods used in domestic and overseas military pilot selection were reviewed.Finally, suggestions on the research and application of the military pilot selection system in China were raised.
ABSTRACT
Objective To test and evaluate the effect of neck muscular strength training for military pilots at different time durations based on a self-developed pilot neck muscle training device. Methods The neck muscular strength training device, CME-1, was used to train the military pilots and military smithery members for 2, 3 and 6 weeks, respectively. The isometric and changeable velocity and resistant (CVR) modes were performed and the neck muscular strength at those different time durations was measured to evaluate the training effect. Results For all 60 military pilots trained at different time durations, the average neck muscular strength and the mean value of peak impulse in 10 seconds in anteflexion, retroflexion, right/left lateroflexion were significantly improved after training (P0.05). For 11 military smithery members after 6 weeks’ training, both the average muscular strength and the mean value of peak impulse in 10 seconds in all directions were significantly enhanced (P<0.001), with the average muscular strength increased by 71.1％, 83.7％, 78.6％ and 75.2％ respectively, while the mean value of peak impulse in 10 seconds was increased by 136.9％, 138.5％, 114.1％ and 114.4％, respectively. Conclusions This study provides the physiological basis for establishing the military standards of neck muscular strength training for different fighter pilots, the proper method for training those pilots with low neck muscular strength, as well as the reference of neck muscular training duration and strength target for high performance aircrafts and carrier aircrafts.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effect from helmet mass and deviation of mass center on neck muscle activity in military pilots. Methods Based on AnyBody software platform, a musculoskeletal model of head neck complex was established including C0, C1-C7, T1 and 136 muscles. Concentrated loads were applied to simulate the role of helmet. Strength from seven main muscle groups under different helmet mass, mass center and +Gz acceleration loads were simulated and calculated.Results When mass center of the helmet and the head coincided with each other, the muscle groups (such as semispinalis, levator scapulae, splenius capitis and cervicis) which took charge of extension were activated. Muscle strength increased with helmet mass linearly and +Gz acceleration loads would make this increase multiplied. Flexion muscle began to work when mass center of the helmet moved backward, so did the lateral bending muscles when mass center of helmet moved in the right-and-left direction. Conclusions Helmet mass and its center have an obvious influence on neck muscle activity in military pilots. The musculoskeletal model established in this paper can be used to calculate the change in muscle strength under different situations and conduct a quantitative analysis for helmet design and validation.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the present situation of neck injuries in military pilots, analyze possible factors that induce neck injuries and how such injuries could influence flight training, and provide suggestions for relevant physiological researches and engineering solutions. Method Questionnaires were carried out among 1 924 military pilots, including pilots of primary trainer, attacker, fighter, bomber, transporter and helicopter. The questionnaire consist of 2 parts: (1) pilots’ basic information, such as unit, age, type of aircraft, flying hours, height, weight, etc. (2) relevant issues on neck injuries, including symptoms and their influences on flight, reasons that cause the injuries, etc. Statistical analyses were conducted according to the questionnaire results. Results The investigation showed that 71.3% of the pilots had uncomfortable neck symptoms and 60.4% of them had befallen such symptoms during flight. 33.7% of the pilots had suffered neck pain and 19.2% of them reported that such pains took place during flight. Factors such as acceleration, weight of helmet and long duration of flight would be the main reasons resulting in the discomfort of neck. Bomber pilots showed the highest proportion either on the neck discomfort or on the neck pain. Conclusions Neck injuries have become the frequently occurring illness in Chinese military pilots and have affected their daily flight. The study also foresees an increased tendency on pilots’ neck injuries due to the growing requirements of flight load and training strength on fighter and attacker pilots. Therefore, great importance should be attached on neck injuries of military pilots and further studies should be conducted on physiological investigations and engineering solutions.