Revitalization of the Force Simulator and Adequacy of Joystick Loads Compatible with Toucan T-27 and Super Toucan AT-29 Aircraft

Abstract

The innovative design of a "Force Simulator for the EMB 312 T-27-Toucan" aircraft was developed through the regular research support from FAPESP, N° 2005/51519-0. The result of this research project can be observed through the acquired patent (Privilege of Innovation/ Registration number: 0000220708555664), 7 (seven) published articles (3 with impact factor), and presentations at National and International congresses as a result of research using this equipment.

Data Acquisition System for Revitalization of Aircraft EMB 312 T-27 and AT-29 Force Simulator

“…Many of the physiological alterations that pilots undergo during flight can be analyzed in the force simulator without any risk. Studies have already been performed to monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and intracranial pressure using, primarily, physical exertion in the FS [1][2][3][4].…”

“…The Air Force Simulator (SF) of the T-27 Aircraft ( Figure 1) was built between 2005 and 2008, in the Precision Workshop of the Medical Faculty of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. The objective of this equipment is to develop a simulator of forces exerted in the joystick of the aircraft EMB 312 Toucan T-27 and AT-29 Supertoucan (Figure 2), for evaluation of forces and physical training of pilots and cadets [1][2][3][4]. The equipment created simulates, through a joystick and spring system, mechanical forces very close to the actual forces applied to the joystick during the execution of a maneuvers/acrobatics.…”

“…The equipment created simulates, through a joystick and spring system, mechanical forces very close to the actual forces applied to the joystick during the execution of a maneuvers/acrobatics. A system composed of four load cells connected to a signal logger enabled quantification of the forces as a function of time in the simulator [1][2][3][4]. This signal encoder module was responsible for filtering and digitizing signals from the load cells.…”

“…The equipment captured the signals of variation of this applied voltage on the load cells connected to the springs and provided a voltage value corresponding to this action. The simulator can be used as training to strengthen muscle groups required in acrobatic flights and as a tool for physical evaluation and scientific research in Pilots and Aviator Cadets of the Brazilian Air Force during the years 2008 to 2017 [1][2][3][4].…”

Incidence of cervical and lumbar spine injuries in Brazilian air force helicopter pilots

“…Low back pain (pain in the lower back) is one of the most common back problems in Western society, affecting approximately 80 to 85% of the population. 8 Many countries, such as the United States, Norway and Israel, have invested in research into the occurrence of low back pain in their airmen and have come to Agatha AM Faria, 1 Délio TM Malaquias, 1 João Paulo Pinelli Santos, 1 Juliana Paschoal, 1 Guilherme I Santos, 1 Thalita PM Alineri, 1 Isabelle P Santos, 1 Ana Clara P R De Souza, 1 Maria Clara G Costa, 1 Ana Carolina RV Rodrigues, 2 Giovana C Bitolo, 2 Christopher AP Lima, 2 Thiago G Trigueiro, 3 Hiromi M K Fujishima, 3 Liliana M Occulate, 4 Hamilton RMO Carriço, 5 Lucas V de Melo, 1 Isabela MM da Cunha, 1 Giovana R Victorello, 1 Leonardo T Da Silva, 1 Victória BS Miguel, 1 Jenyffer VC Villca, 1 Bruna D Araujo, 1 Maria Gabriela S Guzzi, 1 Camila S da Costa, 1 Guilherme G Martins, 1 Jade P Torres, 1 Daniela SBL Dos Santos, 1 Brenda MMR de Oliveira, 1 Isabela F Krebs, 1 Talita RQ Lopes, 1 Maria PM Nogueira, 1 Júlio E Calheiros, 1 Elysa F Camargo, 1 Isabeli G de Oliveira, 1 Natália L Medici, 1 Samantha RG Sanches, 1 Adriana F Viana Delgado, 1 Thiago AR Bezerra, 6 Leonardo Mendes Faria consider it a primary health problem, which has a major influence on flight safety and the operability of the Air Forces. [9][10][11][12][13] In the Norwegian Air Force, low back pain is considered to be a primary health problem among rotary-wing pilots and somewhat less serious among other crew members, with the most important etiological factor being the asymmetrical posture adopted by this class of pilots.…”