Citation

Cress G, McCauley D. SAFE J. 2006; 34(1): 30-33.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, SAFE Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The evolution of the sled testing industry into a full-fledged SAFE Association and its activities are discussed. The US Aerospace has been putting sleds downtracks, which have provided fundamental insight into human tolerance, weaponry, and escape system performance not possible elsewhere. The sled tests deals with escape systems and are proof of cockpit, canopy, and canopy jettison systems, sequencing systems, ejection seat and escape path clearance designs intended for the protection of aircrew. Current sled testing systems use sophisticated laser technology and automated tracking systems and have much improved coverage. Sled-borne cameras placed inside the cockpit and outside the fuselage provide close up systems performance coverage. A documentary coverage is used to record mundane test preparations, test article installation into the sled test vehicles and post-test results.