Scenario 4
Preventing injuries during airborne operations
Background
Airborne operations require military men and women to exit an aircraft at 1,250 feet and land with a parachute at high velocity on uneven terrain. There is a high risk of injury to the lower extremities on landing, and sustained jumps often contribute to chronic injuries. A device that limits the frequency of these injuries would both increase the operational effectiveness of an airborne operation and preserve the physical health of the military service members. The same device could have practical benefits to athletes and civilians employed in physically rigorous jobs.
Requirements
The submission must meet the following criteria to be graded:
2) Stabilizes or protects at least one part of the lower extremities
3) Weighs 10 pounds or less
4) Removable upon landing in 20 seconds or less OR capable of being worn without impeding mobility
5) Allows the paratrooper to properly exit the aircraft (1)
6) Allows the paratrooper to properly perform a PDF (Parachute Landing Fall) OR replaces the PDF with a safer method of landing (2)
Additional Grading Criteria
All submissions that meet the requirements will be graded using the following metrics:
2) The volume of the lower extremity that is stabilized or protected
3) Amount of weight less than 10 pounds
4) Length of time less than 20 seconds needed to remove device OR degree of freedom guaranteed to the paratrooper while wearing device
1) Paratroopers must walk through the aircraft and step out of the door with a vigorous jump.
2) Paratroopers must land with their feet and knees together and slightly bent in order to perform a Parachute Landing Fall and reduce the risk of injury.
