Integrated Aircrew Ensemble

Today's advanced tactical aircraft have steadily evolved since the advent of winged flight, but the protective clothing worn by crewmembers has not. Current equipment does not offer adequate protection from the stresses imposed by increasingly highaltitudes and acceleration. This complex problem is exacerbated by the need to protect crewmembers from an ever-widening range of threats. Compounding these issues is the lack of systems integration associated with the current aircrew clothing andequipment. For the most part, protective capabilities have been added to an original set of equipment in response to new threats, resulting in a piecemeal set of clothing and equipment that is bulky, cumbersome, and causes heat stress. Unless theprotection afforded by life support equipment is enhanced, it will not be possible for future aircraft to be used to their full potential. Advanced technologies have been emerging and maturing rapidly over the last 20 years. The most favorable approach toutilizing these advanced technologies to their best advantage is to build the system from the ground up, combining functions where it makes sense. This proposal addresses both identification of new and emerging technologies and use of a systems approachto optimize human and system effectiveness. Phase I will result in a conceptual solution for an Integrated Aircrew Ensemble that reduces the physiological demands placed on aircrew members to allow optimum mission performance. The Phase I work will alsoprovide information directly applicable to solutions for any worker requiring personal protection, e.g., firefighters, first responders, law enforcement personnel, hazmat workers, as well as members of other military services.