AMSAM-RD-AE-S

27 Sep 02

Memorandum For Record SUBJECT: Airworthiness Assessment of Communication Ear Plug (CEP) on all U.S. Army Aircraft Using the SPH-4 or HGU-56/P Helmets

1. Reference: a. Memorandum, AMSAM-AR-E, 14 Jul 99, subject: Airworthiness Release (AWR) for the Communication Ear Plug (CEP) Installation and Testing Procedures on all U.S. Army Aircraft Using the SPH-4 or HGU-56/P Helmets, and for the M45 Aircrew Protective Mask (ACPM) on all U.S. Army Aircraft Using the M24 Mask b. Test Report, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Dec 98, subject: Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)/Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing of the Active Noise Reduction (ANR) Systems 2. The Communications Earplug (CEP) unit is a device used to provide reduced noise levels and increased speech intelligibility to the individual wearing the helmet. The CEP unit consists of a pair of elements used to provide a passive noise attenuating barrier between the users ears and the noise source while providing monoaural voice communication signals to each ear. Each element consists of a housing which contains an earphone transducer and a foam earplug tip. The transducer is directly connected to the communications system through a small, highly flexible coaxial wire. The CEPhelmet interface consists of a coaxial receptacle which is wired to the communications circuit inside the right earcup. 3. During the qualification process, the CEP successfully completed EMI and EMC testing (reference 1b) and was flown under an AWR (reference 1a) which required a one-time EMC check for each configuration of helmet and aircraft. Under this AWR no anomalies were reported from the required EMC checks. Installation of the CEP into a helmet is a simple modification performed by the ALSE technician at the unit level. The CEP is now an NSN item currently available through DSA. 4. Therefore the Airworthiness Assessment is that the CEP during qualification has performed successfully under the current AWR and is being fielded as an ECP to the helmet. As a result therefore no ISAQ/SAQ is required for the CEP. 5. This assessment is valid for all Army aircraft using the SPH-4 or HGU-56/P helmets.

AMSAM-RD-AE-S SUBJECT: Airworthiness Assessment of Communication Ear Plug (CEP) on all U.S. Army Aircraft Using the SPH-4 or HGU-56/P Helmets

6. Point of contact for this action is Linda H. Smith, (256) 313-4258, DSN 897-4258, Email Linda.Smith@peoavn.redstone.army.mil.

Distribution: PM ACIS PM Chinook PM Scout/Attack PM Utility AMSAM-RD-AE-I-P-C AMSAM-RD-AE-I-D-U AMSAM-RD-AE-I-D-O