PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – Visitors to the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum can now see how they measure up as prospective U.S. Navy or Marine Corps aviators, thanks to a new interactive exhibit launching January 23. The exhibit, Understanding Anthropometry: the Science of Human Measurement in Aviation, explores the vital role of human systems engineering in designing safe and effective aircraft and gear.
Anthropometry, the study of human body measurements, is critical in aviation to ensure that aircraft, flight suits, helmets, and other gear are designed to accommodate the diverse physical needs of aircrew members. The exhibit provides a hands-on experience, allowing visitors to size themselves up to determine which naval aircraft they could fly, just like new naval aviators do. It also features real flight suits in various sizes for visitors to try on.
“Behind every aircraft, subsystem, or aircrew gear is a human systems engineer who made it the safest and most effective equipment,” said Steve Cricchi, executive director of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). “This new exhibit celebrates our scientists and engineers helping American aviators fly safely.”
The exhibit emphasizes the work performed by Southern Maryland aerospace professionals at NAWCAD, the Navy’s center for research, development, test, and evaluation of aviation systems. NAWCAD sponsored the exhibit and recently conducted the Navy’s first-ever anthropometric study to include women and minorities, updating size requirements to reflect America’s diverse fleet of aviators and aircrew.
Open through 2027, the exhibit not only showcases advancements in aviation safety and performance but also highlights the integral role of scientists and engineers in improving aircraft and gear for the humans who use them.
NAWCAD, headquartered at Patuxent River, Maryland, employs more than 17,000 military, civilian, and contract personnel. The command operates test ranges, laboratories, and aircraft, supporting the development and sustainment of Navy and Marine Corps aviation capabilities. Additional NAWCAD facilities are located in St. Inigoes, Maryland, Lakehurst, New Jersey, and Orlando, Florida.
