Microclimate Cooling for Combat Vehicle Crewmen
Abstract
Several XM-1 tanks were available to study the heat stress/CW protection problem under desert conditions. A six day test was carried out; the first two days were for training, and resolving problems; the last four days comprised the data generating portion of the trial. Day 3 involved wearing the fully closed CW clothing system over the CVC uniform (MOPP IV); the vehicle hatches were left open, but the engine and ventilators were shut off. MOPP IV was also worn on the final three days of the study; the engine and ventilators were shut off and all hatches closed on these three days. Significant heat stress was demonstrated, at a level to produce early performance decrements and eventually, subjective inability to continue; this was fully supported by physiological data as being a valid endpoint for performance capability. In conclusion, we have identified a clear mismatch between the ability of a crewman dressed in CW protective clothing and the simple demand that he perform an extremely light fire mission when ambient conditions (expressed as the WBGT) are in the 32 to 35 C )90 to 95 F) range. These occurred inside the XM-1 only when the hatches were closed and the blowers shut off.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 18, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA117156
Entities
People
- Ralph F. Goldman
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine