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Cold water survival suits for aircrew
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|October 1, 1979
Summary
Three aircrew exposure garments were compared for thermal protection in cold water. The Canadian Thermofloat jacket showed potential for development, offering similar protection with other advantages.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Medicine
- Human Physiology
- Protective Clothing Technology
Background:
- Aircrew operating in cold environments require effective thermal protection.
- Existing exposure garments vary in design and thermal insulation properties.
- Evaluating garment performance is crucial for aircrew safety and survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the thermal effectiveness of three distinct aircrew exposure garments.
- To assess the performance of the Canadian U.VIC. Thermofloat jacket against established designs.
- To identify potential improvements and developmental pathways for aircrew thermal protection.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory and sea trials were conducted to evaluate garment performance.
- Subjects were immersed in water at 7.0°C and 10.5°C.
- Key physiological variables including rectal and skin temperatures, and electrocardiograms were monitored.
Main Results:
- All three garments, British Mark 10, US CWU 21/P, and Canadian Thermofloat jacket, provided comparable thermal protection.
- The Thermofloat jacket demonstrated superior characteristics beyond thermal insulation.
- A significant, previously unreported, reduction in core cooling rate was observed.
Conclusions:
- The Canadian Thermofloat jacket offers comparable thermal protection and exhibits advantages for future development.
- The observed non-linear core cooling rate has implications for thermal stress research and survival protocols.
- Further research into the Thermofloat concept and cooling rate phenomena is warranted.