An Evaluation of the Foamed Neoprene 'Diver's Wet Suit' as a Survival Garment for Helicopter Aircrews

摘要

The type of flights performed by helicopters require particular garments for their aircrews as follows: (1) Water entry by aircrew is by way of water collision so that there is a high probability of damage to the survival garment; (2) The short flight radius of the helicopter ensures that the time-distance from a potential rescurer should be relatively short, so that rescue should be expected in less than 4 hours; (3) The suit must be wearable without an air ventilated suit for cooling and still be usable in high cockpit temperatures up to 90F; and, (4) The low altitude of flight allows no time to don or zipper up a survival garment so that there should be no significant penalty for entering the water with the garment partially unzipped. Laboratory experiments using a variety of antiexposure assemblies demonstrated that the 3/16 inch. foamed neoprene wet suit, mittens, hood, and insulated rubber 'thermal' boots provided the most comfortable and efficient configuration. Tolerance times were established for such clothing in 40, 50, and 60F. water. (Author)