Bell Helicopter Flight Research Center welcomed soldiers from the 2-506th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) recently to gather their feedback on the cabin layout of the V-280.
Photos: Luke J. Allen
Wearing their full kit, a rifle squad carried out ingress and egress drills to evaluate the configuration, seat layout, restraint harnesses and headrests of the V-280.
“The headrests were somewhat of a hindrance when wearing the Kevlar helmet and would most likely be worse if we had our NODs (night optical/observation devices) attached,” commented Sgt. 1st. Class Vuthy Hamm an operations sergeant for the 2-506th Infantry Regiment.
They also had the opportunity to test out the Pilotage Distributed Aperture Sensor being develop for the V-280 aircrew to determine the potential application for passengers.
“This would definitely give us an advantage and improve our situational awareness,” Sgt. 1st. Class Hamm said. “We would be able to see terrain features and landmarks on approach to the LZ (landing zone) and have our bearings before exiting the aircraft.”
For more information, hit the Source below