A centrifuge simulated push-pull manoeuvre with subsequent reduced +Gz tolerance

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Medicine
• Human Factors Engineering
• Physiological Response to G-forces

Background:

• The push-pull effect (PPE) is a known factor in fatal flight accidents.
• Understanding and mitigating PPE is crucial for aviation safety.
• Existing training methods may not fully replicate the physiological stresses of PPE.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a push-pull manoeuvre (PPM) simulation using a tri-axes centrifuge.
• To investigate the impact of this PPM on +Gz tolerance.
• To assess the suitability of the PPM simulation for pilot centrifuge training.

Main Methods:

• A tri-axes centrifuge was used to simulate a PPM profile (-1 Gz for 5s, followed by +Gz plateau for 10s).
• Relaxed +Gz tolerance was measured in 20 male fighter pilots and 6 male volunteers.
• Subjects were exposed to the PPM profile with and without prior -1 Gz exposure.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant decrease in +Gz tolerance was observed in all subjects post -1 Gz exposure.
• +Gz tolerance decreased by 0.87 ± 0.13 G in volunteers and 0.95 ± 0.25 G in pilots.
• Ear opacity pulse was found to be an unreliable endpoint criterion during PPM experiments.

Conclusions:

• The simulated PPM effectively elicited a push-pull effect (PPE), evidenced by a significant reduction in +Gz tolerance.
• The PPM simulation demonstrates potential utility for inclusion in pilot centrifuge training programs.
• Further research may be needed to refine +Gz tolerance measurement criteria during PPM.