Evaluation of Thermal Stress Induced by Helicopter Aircrew Chemical, Biological, Radiological (CBR) Protective Ensemble
Abstract
The A/P22P-9(V) Chemical, Biological, Radiological (CBR) Protective Assembly for helicopter aircrews has been evaluated for the additional thermal stress it imparts to users in a hot environment. The standard aircrew life support system for helicopters, based on the CWU-27/P flight coverall, was employed as the experimental control. Two environmental conditions were studied: 1) a simulated hot aircraft interior (hot), with chamber temperatures maintained at dry bulb temperatures = 32.8C and a wet bulb temperature = 25.0C; and 2) a control environment (cool), with chamber temperatures maintained at 20.9C. Three males, aged 24-35 years, were exposed twice to each garment/environment condition combination, for a total of eight exposures each, except for one subject who was studied in cool conditions only once in each of the configurations, for a total of six runs. Heat durations were designed for 480 minutes. Comparison by ensemble show significant differences observed for exposure durations, while rectal temperatures were significantly different (p<0. 05) between ensembles only in hot conditions. Ambient conditions significantly impacted on nearly all measured parameters. The results indicate that the CBR ensemble represents a limiting factor in performance in a hot environment. Hyperthermia; Chemical warfare; Heat tolerance; Physiology; Heat stress.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 15, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA210123
Entities
People
- Alvah
- Jonathan W. Kaufman
- Katherine Y. Dejneka
- Stephen Morrissey
Organizations
- Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster