Advanced Aircrew Oxygen Mask Insert Evaluation.
Abstract
The Crew Technology Division of Armstrong laboratory is developing an insert for the MBU-20/P aircrew oxygen mask. The insert is placed inside the mask to enhance comfort and seal at high mask cavity pressures. The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Rapid Test and Evaluation Directorate (AFOTEC/TA), conducted this evaluation of prototype mask inserts using Air National Guard pilots flying training sortics in F-16 aircraft. The evaluation addresses the operational use of an aircrew oxygen mask insert. The objective was to evaluate mask comfort and mask seal. A re-evaluation questionnaire was designed to assess the comfort and seal of the masks without the insert. A post-evaluation questionnaire addressed the comfort and seal of the mask with the insert. It was planned that each pilot would fly with the insert for at least two sortics. Each pilot had their original mask without insert and an unmodified mask with insert so they could swap masks between sortics and evaluate the seal and comfort of the altered mask. Pilots answered questionnaires as soon as possible after the last flights. Eighteen pilots evaluated the insert. Five pilots reported previous seal problems. All five pilots indicated the insert improved the mask seal and they would continue using the insert. However, most pilots indicated there was a problem with the comfort of the mask with the insert. There was an insufficient sample size to make a statistical determination of the mask insert improvement. Seven of 18 pilots stated they would continue to use the mask insert as it improved the mask seal. However, these pilots were split on the issue of improved comfort, and half reported that comfort decreased with the insert.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA349018
Entities
People
- Lynda Liptak
Organizations
- Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center