Test and evaluation of exercise-enhanced preoxygenation in U-2 operations

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Medicine
• Physiology
• Aviation Safety

Background:

• Preoxygenation is crucial for preventing decompression sickness (DCS) during high-altitude U-2 flights.
• Standard preoxygenation protocols are time-consuming and may not always ensure adequate protection.
• Enhancing denitrogenation through exercise during preoxygenation is a potential strategy to improve DCS prevention.

Observation:

• A U-2 pilot experiencing DCS volunteered for exercise-enhanced preoxygenation.
• The pilot performed 10 minutes of strenuous exercise during preoxygenation before high-altitude flights.
• This intervention was implemented without extending the total preoxygenation duration.

Findings:

• The pilot completed 36 subsequent high-altitude flights with no reported DCS incidents.
• Exercise was performed at approximately 75% of maximal oxygen uptake, monitored by heart rate.
• This operational test demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in DCS occurrences.

Implications:

• Exercise-enhanced preoxygenation offers a viable method to reduce DCS risk in susceptible U-2 pilots.
• Further data collection from the U-2 pilot population is recommended for broader implementation.
• This approach reinforces laboratory findings and suggests a practical improvement for aviation safety protocols.