Female Acceleration Tolerance Enhancement.
Abstract
In high performance aircraft, inadequate 6-protective equipment could lead to decreased performance and unsafe flight conditions. The purpose of this project was to provide female aircrew with appropriately designed and fitted 6-protective equipment This project has supported five major efforts: (1) A centrifuge study comparing male and female acceleration tolerances and evaluating a gender-specific anti-G suit modification - early data analysis (50% completion) indicates female tolerance is at least equivalent to that of males and that the modified CSU-13BIP anti-6 suit provides females better protection than the standard suit. (2) Two female F-16 pilots demonstrated improved 6-tolerance in the centrifuge after anti-G suit modification - this modification has been adopted for AF-wide use. (3) An anthropometry evaluation of the potential female aircrew population resulted in an anti-G suit sizing scheme for small females. (4) A proto-type modified anti-G suit for small aircrew was fabricated and fit-tested on three subjects less than 63 inches in stature the small suit provided a good fit for all. (5) A protocol was initiated to evaluate a positive pressure breathing apparatus (COMBAT EDGE) relative to male/female 6-tolerance; preliminary data indicate a poor female fit for COMBAT EDGE, although there were no reports of excessive discomfort.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA327381
Entities
People
- James W. Dooley
Organizations
- Armstrong Laboratory