“You don´t know Jack”: Using 3D anthropometric modelling techniques to identify, assess and aid in the early resolution of safety issues relating to military vehicle design

Atkins´ Advanced Assurance Modelling (AAM) methodology uses the JackTM 3D anthropometric modelling tool to provide tangible Human Factors (HF) assessments that identify safety issues early in the concept or design and bridge the gap between HF and other engineering disciplines, thus improving integration and facilitating the targeting of limited resources to focus on key project issues. This methodology has been used to conduct design assessments for new manufacturing facilities, aircraft maintenance tasks, and for both new and in-service vehicles for the UK MoD; specifically focusing on Panther, Bulldog and Scout SV vehicles. The MoD work has been focussed on identifying design issues that will impact on the safe operation and maintenance of, and emergency egress from the vehicles. This paper describes the work that Atkins has conducted to date to inform and support the MoD in ensuring the safety of current and future vehicles. The use of AAM enables traditionally complex, time-consuming, imprecise and expensive physical reviews to be conducted quickly, accurately, safely, at significantly lower cost and most importantly, early in the engineering lifecycle. Assessments can be conducted before a physical instantiation of the design has been implemented, requiring minimal MoD resource and intelligently informing trade-off, thus enabling design modifications to include mitigation quickly and at low cost. This work has resulted in better communication and integration between HF, safety and other engineering disciplines, with the ultimate results of safer vehicles, improved training and safer operations for UK Armed Forces personnel deployed in theatre and cost savings for the MoD, as demonstrated on the Scout SV Initial Assessment Phase 2 and tendering assessments.