The HAWK Hypoxia Detection and Alerting System for Military Pilots

The Navy"s overall objective is to develop and integrate a hypoxia monitoring system for naval pilots. In Phase I, Safe sought to assess the technical feasibility of the proposed Hypoxia Warning Kit (HAWK) by employing non-invasive sensors that could be integrated into the pilot"s MBU-24/P oxygen mask with minimal modifications to those systems and no modifications to the helmet or aircraft. The sensor array continuously monitors the physiological oxygenation status of the pilots and will provide the individual advanced feedback of impending conditions associated with hypoxic hypoxia. In Phase II, Safe will refine the sensors and algorithms to improve sensor accuracy and be sensitive to additional pilot situational factors. A new prototype will be fabricated and tested in an altitude chamber using human subjects.