Forces required to jettison a simulated S92 passenger exit: Optimal helicopter underwater egress training techniques

This paper outlines the first known examination of the forces required to jettison a simulated exit used during helicopter underwater egress training (HUET). To capture the forces placed on the simulated cabin exit, a purpose build force plate was designed to replace an existing simulator exit used during HUET. A 25-point map was created to identify specific jettison forces required across the entire exit surface. Ten participants completed a total of 120 underwater egress sequences in–air and in-water from a normal flight and fully compressed crash attenuating seat position. The results indicate that the force required to jettison the simulated exit is significantly different in relationship to location on the exit surface. From the results, it can be concluded that helicopter underwater egress training protocols should ensure that offshore candidates are informed of the different force requirements as well as have the opportunity to practice jettisoning a high physical fidelity exit from a fully compressed crash attenuating seat.