Flight Deck Cranial (FDC)
Mission
The Flight Deck Cranial (FDC) will be worn by aircraft handlers and maintainers working in, on, and around military aircraft while shipboard or ashore. The FDC will be modular in design to allow tailoring of hearing protection and speech intelligibility performance to mission need. The FDC will provide improved capabilities in hearing protection, speech intelligibility, impact protection, and provide a stable mounting platform for the use of Night Vision Devices (NVDs).
Description
The FDC System consists of multiple configurations, depending on the work/mission of the individual. Configurations are designed to provide improved hearing and impact protection while accommodating NVDs, CBR protection equipment, and communication links.
Specifications
General Characteristics: Cranial and Hearing Protection
Primary Function: Hearing Protection and Impact Protection
Contractors: Adaptive Technologies Inc, Blacksburg VA; Creare, Hanover NH
Early Operational Capability: Feb 2010 (Custom Molded Earplugs only)
Initial Operational Capability: February 2012
Full Operational Capability: October 2013
Current No. of Deployed Systems: over 2,300 Custom Molded Earplugs
Program Status
Navy Acquisition Category IVM
Program Office Description
Aircrew Systems (PMA-202) includes all systems that directly support the aircrew and troops or passengers in the performance of their missions, and consist of the functional components, internal and external interfaces, and the environment to optimize human performance, protection and sustainment in aviation operations.
Point of Contact
Naval Air Systems Command
AIR 1.0 Public Affairs Officer
47123 Buse Road, Bldg 2272, Rm 353
Patuxent River, MD 20670-1547
(301) 757-8058
Program Manager