Heat Stress Evaluation of Anti-Exposure Flight Gear
Abstract
Constant-wear anti-exposure suit ensembles, employing the CWU-62/P polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coverall, were evaluated for their impact on aircrew performance under heat stress. Conditions were designed to simulate stresses experienced during aircraft operations over cold water; therefore chamber temperatures were maintained at dry bulb temperature = 34.0 + or - 1.5 C and wet bulb temperature = 23.9 + ot -4.5 C. Six males, aged 21-39, were studied twice in each of five configurations for maximum 180 minute exposures. The five configurations consisted of a standard flight suit (control) and four combinations of the PTFE-based configurations. Total sweat rate (SRT, heat storage rate (Delta Q), final heart rate (HR), and mean weighted skin temperatures (T sub SK) indicated similar trends among the configurations. The results indicate that the liner has only a limited impact on the test results; therefore, the PTFE coverall appears to limit heat tolerance under those conditions. Aircrew wearing the CWU-62/P coverall cannot be expected to complete three hours of aircraft operations if a moderate workload is imposed under heat stress. Originator supplied keywords include: Anti-exposure Flightwear, Hypothermia Protection, Olefin Liner, PTFE Coverall.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 15, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADB092830
Entities
People
- Jonathan Kaufman
Organizations
- Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster