RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ON A PASSIVELY PRESSURIZED FLIGHT UNIFORM.

摘要

A high altitude protection suit was developed of the partial pressure type that utilizes 40sealed cells each containing a small air charge so they expand in accord with Boyle's law when the atmospheric pressure is reduced. These independently acting,expandable,tubular cells are restrained within a stretch resistant but porous coverall in a manner to allow them to pressurize the body of the wearer. When the coverall is worn with pressure gloves,boots and a pressure helmet,it is possible to pressurize the entire body sufficiently for altitude exposure up to 100,000feet for at least several minutes. The suit is fabricated of NOMEX material,with pleated cells of polyurethane,and an inner comfort liner. The experimental suits were evaluated through actual wear in the altitude chambers at the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine. Results of these tests confirm the potential of this approach for providing aircrew protection. Further refinement is needed to obtain a design more suitable for use in the field and to assure balanced respiratory pressures. (Author)