Commercial Aerospace

Pilot earpiece system developed by U.S. Air Force and Westone Laboratories awarded U.S. patent

Dec. 30, 2010

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio, 30 Dec. 2010. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office awarded a patent to the U.S. Air Force for its Attenuating Custom Communications Earpiece System (ACCES). Integrated with a standard military flight helmet or headset, ACCES provides acoustic protection and clear voice reception amidst hazardous noise generated by aircraft. Noise levels in military aircraft can reach as high as 125 decibels, making it hard for pilots to hear mission critical communications and eventually causing permanent hearing loss.

Posted by John McHaleWRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio, 30 Dec. 2010. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office awarded a patent to the U.S. Air Force for its Attenuating Custom Communications Earpiece System (ACCES). Integrated with a standard military flight helmet or headset, ACCES provides acoustic protection and clear voice reception amidst hazardous noise generated by aircraft. Noise levels in military aircraft can reach as high as 125 decibels, making it hard for pilots to hear mission critical communications and eventually causing permanent hearing loss.The Air Force Research Laboratory, 711th Human Performance Wing, Human Effectiveness Directorate, Warfighter Interface Division, Battlespace Acoustics Branch (711 HPW/RHCB) partnered with Westone Laboratories, Inc. in Colorado Springs, Colo., to develop the deep-insert, custom-molded ACCES hearing protection technology under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement.The 711 HPW/RHCB and Westone team originally developed the technology to pass F-22 Raptor jet fighter requirements. Raptor test pilots praised the design as flight tests demonstrated success under all flight conditions and for all communication extremes. Development continued under a Defense Technology Objective.The technology integrates a ruggedized cable assembly and miniature speakers with a set of vented custom poured deep insert earpieces for a superior fit. Impressions of the ears are captured and then sent to Westone.ACCES has been approved by Air Combat Command for use aboard all fighters and bombers. Testing is currently underway aboard airlift and rotary wing aircraft. Since 2005, nearly 5,000 ACCES sets have been delivered, truly giving airmen access to improved human performance.

Pilot earpiece system developed by U.S. Air Force and Westone Laboratories awarded U.S. patent

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