Ergonomics analysis of gunner station of armoured combat vehicle (ACV)- Tank T 90S with special reference to seat, visual sighting system and musculoskeletal discomfort: A pilot study

Background: A combat vehicle is a tracked/wheeled land or amphibious vehicle, with without armour armament, designed for specific functions in battle. It an integrated mobile weapon platform comprising of multiple workstations having many equipment, switches, control and displays.Effectiveness Combat efficiency crewin battle field depends upon the optimum design placement displays workstation. Till date ergonomics studies on are limited less reported.
 Aims Objective: Present study was undertaken to investigate gunner station (Tank T90 S) special reference seat sighting system respect anthropometric dimensions crew members, find out constraints, limitations mismatch existing vehicles; biomechanical responses (force angles), comfort discomfort during operation.
 Materials Methods: Ninety (90) healthy male mean age 35.2±8.5 years, stature 172.6±7.5 cm weight 72.4±7.2 kg volunteered study. Anthropometric details crew, dimension, system, response operation, analysis were studied.
 Results: Gunner handle located below recommended vortex angle ±15° from normal line sight vertical horizontal plane. Hand grip strength decreased increasing operation time. Reduction may tend produce lag delay movement barrel swiftness get compromised. Seat not as per members.
 Conclusion: clearly stated that non-accessibility difficulty operating Gun Control Equipment operation. Sighting tank poorly ergonomically designed. gradually decrease