Vehicle Accommodation for Soldiers

Since 2012, we have been working with the U.S. Army TARDEC on a set of new tools for vehicle interior design. Our goal is to use extensive data on soldier anthropometry and posture, including the effects of body armor and body borne gear, to improve soldier comfort, performance, and safety. We have created a set of statistical accommodation models that generate the parameters of CAD surfaces for use in design. Our colleagues at TARDEC have implemented these models in PTC Creo, a widely used CAD package. For the first time, these models, which have gone through a rigorous verification processs, are now available on a public-facing TARDEC website. We are proud to have been able to contribute to the improvement of the Army's vehicle design processes. Many more models are in the pipeline, including tools for design squad seating positions and novel control configurations including fixed-eye-point workstations.