In-flight Disposable Aircrew Bladder Relief System with Novel Effective and Comfortable Human Interface

Materials and Technologies Corp. (MATECH) carried successfully its novel Disposable Aircrew Bladder Relief Device from conception to a functional prototype during Phase I of this program. The device has been tested in a limited fashion and found to perform admirably. Before the MATECH device there was no fully satisfactory approach for aircrew to relieve their bladder during flight, especially for female personnel. MATECH’s system is compatible with all current fighter and aircraft, it has near 100% component commonality between male/female versions, it is self-contained, comfortable, unobtrusive, inconspicuous, and compatible with current suits, gear and survival equipment without modifications. MATECH’s disposable crew body interfaces are of a novel anatomical design and made of biocompatible materials for excellent seal and comfort. The small and simple device is comfortable for extended or strenuous wear and is worn under the flight suit. The device uses a smart modular pumping device with full and leak sensors for fail-safe and rugged operation. It empties into a disposable removable pressure compensated bladder capable of un-pressurized flight up to 50,000 ft. Power is supplied by a self-contained rechargeable source. By the end of Phase II MATECH will be capable of supplying volume quantities of the system.