Manned Evaluation of the Pre-Production Mk 16 Underwater Breathing Apparatus

Abstract

The MK 16 Underwater Breathing Apparatus (UBA) was evaluated to assess its breathing characteristics, duration and technical characteristics at 150 FSW on N2-O2 and 300 FSW on He-O2 in the Navy Experimental Diving Unit Ocean Simulation Facility Hyperbaric Chamber Complex. The oronasal pressures, inspired and expired oxygen and carbon dioxide, electronic oxygen control and failure warning system function were monitored. The results indicate that the oxygen alarms function well, breathing resistance is acceptable at both depths, and the canister durations were adequate for mission support. The electronic control of oxygen was consistent, but the UBA is unreliable because of oxygen valve malfunction and erratic water-tight seal integrity. Additionally, the high negative static load experienced in the horizontal or head-down position caused extreme diver discomfort.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1980
Accession Number
ADA091500

Entities

People

  • C. G. Gray
  • E. D. Thalmann

Organizations

  • United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Breathing Apparatus
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Circuits
  • Computers
  • Detectors
  • Electronics
  • Human-Machine Interaction
  • Hyperbaric Chambers
  • Liquid Crystal Displays
  • Mass Spectrometers
  • Measurement
  • Pressure Gages
  • Pressure Transducers
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Transducers
  • Underwater Breathing Apparatus
  • Warning Systems

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Materials Science

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems