Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE)
Abstract
Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Aircrew Performance Branch is the single USAF focal point for Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE) studies, analysis, and Safe-to-Fly (STF) testing and certification. In general, unplanned STF projects are an urgent response to real-time capability gaps identified by the warfighter which may be satisfied quickly by purchasing and qualifying commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products and/or performing minor development efforts. The Cold Weather Aviation System (CWAS) and Aircrew Body Armor (ABA) are currently the active STF programs within Life Support Systems (LSS). Both of these efforts were originally planned as development efforts, but identification of COTS solutions allowed them to become STF efforts. Cold Weather Aviation System (CWAS) is an Arctic weather aircrew ensemble program that includes garments, boots, and gloves. The ensemble employs a multi-layer approach protecting aircrews to -49 degrees Fahrenheit. The Air Force has no approved aircrew body armor. The Integrated Aircrew Body Armor (IABA) project plans to purchase existing government or commercial body armor and integrate with aircrew survival gear, restraint & recovery harness, and a life preserver unit. The selected body armor must meet Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) live fire requirements, provide adequate soft/hard body armor coverage to the torso, demonstrate good overall use and maneuverability, and pass appropriate STF tests.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2016
- Source ID
- 51ffdea4b39e5ce155eee5a1dc82505e
Related Documents
- Root: Life Support Systems