Dry bulb temperature effects on crew well-being in long-duration ad hoc platform flights

U.S. combat activities in Iraq and Afghanistan saw the implementation of multiple ad hoc systems incorporated onto commercial aerial platforms for supporting operations. The use of manned platforms, many of which were never intended for the long-duration missions to which they have been applied, has had human factor and aviation life support equipment (ALSE) implications. The physiological stress-inducing nature of high temperatures (> 40 C) is one such concern. This study assessed cockpit temperatures in one such platform during actual combat missions over Iraq.

Three missions were flown in Iraq during 2011 on an ad hoc aerial platform and dry bulb temperature readings were recorded periodically at head height at different crew stations. Relative humidity was also recorded.

Temperatures demonstrated wide variability during mission profiles, ranging from > 40°C to 15°C. Ground heat-soaked cabin temperatures were measured as high as 48°C. High temperatures could be experienced for up to an hour prior to departure.

While ad hoc aerial platform use has operational merits, the lack of adequate crew life support systems on such platforms can pose thermal risks to the aircrews. More detailed investigation is needed to determine core temperature response of aircrews during such operations and platform specific ALSE requirements to better support aircrew mission effectiveness.