AC-130U Gunship aft-scanner prone workstation redesign improved mission effectiveness: a continuing process

The AC-130U Spectre Gunship's mission of flying low and slow over hostile territory requires maximum vigilance from the aft-scanner. Diminished alertness due to the aft-scanners' reported neck/back pain was traced to the awkwardness of the aft-scanner workstation. Aft-scanners recline face-down toward the aircraft's tail while leaning downward into a bubble window to detect launches of Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs). To scan territory below and to the sides of the Gunship, numerous head/neck movements are required. No neck/head rests existed to support the scanner during long missions. Diminished visual alertness and long-term back and neck discomfort can result from fatigue of maintaining this "unnatural" prone position. These reports prompted the SOF DSO to request that the CSERIAC review the literature for design solutions. The comprehensive CSERIAC literature review verified adverse physiological effects and identified specific design solutions. The DSO incorporated some of these solutions and performed an evaluation of the revised design. The new design was considered by aircrew and test personnel to be a substantial improvement over the previous austere design. Improved comfort provided by padding enabled compatibility with life support equipment and more even distribution of body weight pressures throughout the anthropometric range. The new design improved body posture, positioning for mission tasks, reach, and external visibility. However, the workstation's body support for accessibility, adjustability, and comfort still need improvement. Suggestions for continuing improvements are included in this paper.