Historically, ejection seat sled tests conducted to assess aviation injury potential to pilots have incorporated only the 5th through 95th percentile male weights. Since female pilots within the USAF have increased in number during the past seven years, it was estimated that risks associated with an ejection emergency for female pilots have not been adequately evaluated during ejection seat testing. The objectives of this thesis were to determine the percentage of female pilots who weigh less than the 5th percentile male and then to determine the spinal injury potential for these lower weight females with regard to the ACES II ejection seat. It was determined that the majority of female pilots are in a weight class below the 5th percentile male and that, based upon a computer model, the spinal injury potential is right at the acceptable limits. However, the authors caveat this second conclusion with the fact that a critical input to the computer that was used, the time-thrust curve for the DKU-5/A cartridge catapult, represented the thrust experienced by a 215 pound individual. Actual CKU-5/A test firings are scheduled to be accomplished in Sept. '84 before the second conclusion can be realistically accepted. Originator-supplied keywords include: Anthropometry, and Dynamic response.

This thesis analyzes how the United States Army and Marine Corps comply with Department of Defense Directive 5000.2, Defense Acquisition Management Policies and Procedures, ' which mandates the effective integration of human considerations into the acquisition process. Despite a common purpose, the Army and Marine Corps human systems integration (HSI) programs have evolved distinctive policies, procedures, and methodologies, tailored to the Services' unique operational and organizational environments. To evaluate program effectiveness, this thesis performs a comparative analysis of the HSI procedures employed by each Service in the acquisition of major and non- major ground combat weapon systems. Specifically, the thesis constructs an HSI Attributes Matrix, contrasting the Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV) with the Armored Gun System (AGS), and the Short Range Anti-tank Weapon (SRAW/Predator) with the Advanced Anti-tank Weapon System- Medium (AAWS-M/Javelin). Extrapolating generalizations from case analyses, this thesis identifies the policies, procedures, and methodologies which are most effectual in integrating human considerations into system acquisition. Finally, the thesis recommends modifications to the Marine Corps' HSI program to improve the acquisition process and thereby, better satisfy the operational requirements of the Fleet Marine Force.