Lockheed Martin is to introduce a series of alterations to the cockpit of the C-130J tactical transport aircraft to overcome ergonomic problems experienced by short pilots, including visibility through the aircraft's advanced headup display (HUD) and reach to the throttle in certain flight parameters.
The problem has been caused by the world's forces now admitting a more varied size of pilot, including female aircrew, than was common when the original C-130 was designed in the 1950s.
The new hitches only occur with short pilots, who need to move the pilot's seat fully forward to reach the controls comfortably. This position means that the throttle quadrant is further to the rear than would be normal for a pilot of average height.
When landing, the pilot closes the throttle, moving the levers to a rearward position, and then must make a further movement to select reverse thrust after touchdown. The problem arises because short pilots are positioned too far forward to move the throttles fully to the reverse thrust setting without considerable difficulty.
The problem was first experienced by a female Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilot working with Lockheed Martin on clearance trials. The RAAF is a leading customer for the aircraft.
A similar ergonomic problem has been encountered with the HUD, which is the primary source of flight information on the C-130J. The information projected through the HUD is only visible in a "box" in front of the pilot, and not outside of it, which is also a problem for particularly small aircrew.
To solve the problems, Lockheed Martin has made "a standard redesign for all customers" for both the aircraft's seat and seat track and the HUD, as well as the main control yoke, . The throttle reach problem is now under review, and will be corrected for subsequent aircraft, the company says. The modification will be made to all aircraft delivered to launch customer, the Royal Air Force, after the second aircraft, due for delivery this month.
Source: Flight International
