Media Release
August 24, 2004
A body of evidence helps find perfect pilots
The Australian Defence Force and a consortium led by the University of South Australia are about to embark on one of the biggest projects in the world today to collect data about body dimensions. The database will be used to improve recruitment strategies for pilots and aircrew, increase pilot safety and advise on cockpit design for in the Royal Australian Air Force aircraft.
The three-year project will be officially launched at UniSA’s Magill Campus (Murray House) on August 24th at 5pm by Director General Defence Health Services, Air Commodore Tony Austin, AM and UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor Denise Bradley, AO.
The project will employ Australia’s most sophisticated scanning and computer technology (using the Vitus Smart Scanner) and will involve the scanning of 2000 volunteers from around Australia between the ages of 18 and 30 in all their shapes and sizes. Other equipment will be used to scan the range of Australian Defence Force aircraft and helicopter cockpits.
Project Director and world renowned authority in anthropometry (the measurement of the size and proportions of the human body) , UniSA’s Dr Tim Olds, says the project will ensure Australian researchers build the most up-to-date body dimension database for this age group in the world today.
“The last major survey of this kind was done manually and dates back to the 1970s, so this is an exciting partnership with the Australian Defence Force and one which we believe will be of enormous benefit for them in improving recruitment, aircrew safety and the potential for cost savings for the forces,” Dr Olds said.
“What we will gather is a much clearer picture of the clusters of body shapes that normally appear in the population group most likely to be serving in the Australian Defence Force.
"The project also provides social spin-offs beyond military
applications. For example, the techniques used and data gathered may be
used to improve clothing sizes."
The project will be undertaken by a consortium including -
- UniSA – undertaking project management and body scanning.
- The Australian Sports Commission – providing anthropometry support.
- Sinclair Knight Merz – undertaking crew station scanning and project management assistance.
- University of Ballarat - providing mathematical modelling and software development.
The first body scanning will be undertaken in Adelaide between August
30 and September 3 and then the 350 kilo demountable scanner will be
taken on the road to Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Perth.
Director General of the Defence Health Services, Air Commodore Tony
Austin, said the information gathered would provide an invaluable
resource for the Australian Defence Force and may have wide reaching
applications for future recruitment, safety and design projects.
“The Australian Defence Force can develop recruitment and training
strategies that ensure people are right physiologically for the tasks
they have to perform – it will mean that pilots and crew will have
better fit, manoeuvrability and safety in all aircraft, from jets to
large surveillance aircraft,” Air Commodore Austin said.
Dr Olds said the information gathered would provide an invaluable
resource for the Australian Defence Force and one which may have wide
reaching applications for future recruitment, safety and design
projects.
People wanting to take part in the project can find out more
information online at
www.unisa.edu.au/caa
All dates in each location for scanning sessions are on the web and registrations to volunteer can be made online or by phoning toll free on 1800 282 090.
Media contact
- UniSA - Michèle Nardelli (08) 8302 0966 or 0418 823 673