QinetiQ signs UK aircrew research contract

QinetiQ has signed a £5 million contract with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) that will see it conduct research to improve military aircrew performance, it announced on 21 May.

QinetiQ will work with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on the four-year contract, undertaking ten research projects that enable the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to make better decisions on training, future technology and equipment procurement.

The ten projects will include work to understand the risks of inhaling high concentrations of oxygen in the high-G environment of modern jets; how to optimise the balance between hearing protection and being aware of important audible cues; and the test and evaluation of current and future aircraft and helicopter seat technology for suitable protection.

QinetiQ will also work on projects to understand the long-term risks of high-altitude flying, to assess materials for protecting aircrew against lasers, to understand the cause and effects of fatigue on aircrew, and developing tailored solutions to reduce the risk of and to mitigate spatial disorientation risk while flying.

In addition, the company will conduct evaluation and computer modelling on the role of helmets and helmet-mounted equipment in muscle injury and fatigue, test and evaluate operational clothing that balances comfort and weather protection, and develop ejection injury criterion for improving ejection safety.

Gaz Borland, managing director for the air business, QinetiQ, said: 'This contract builds on our established reputation of being experts in human performance, especially in the air world. Working with academia and SMEs we will be able to help the MOD on the best ways to protect and improve the working environment of aircrew, whether this be through technology or medical research. We will be able to maintain the UK’s capability in aerospace medicine whether in military or civil industry.'