Procedures and Metrics for Anti-G Suit Evaluations

The ATAGS (Advanced Technology Anti-G Suit) design process initially relied on comments made by human test subjects to subjectively evaluate the effects of design changes on inflation characteristics. A standardized test method was needed to objectively quantify the effects of the design changes and also to compare the inflation characteristics of other anti-G suits. Therefore, a test was designed to measure the filling characteristics of different anti-G suits fitted to a standard mannikin. Several factors had to be considered in developing a test method that was both operationally significant and provided consistently valid data. The factors considered were: don/doff requirements, the effects of evacuation of the anti-G suits prior to testing, mannikin position and additional life support equipment worn with the antiG suit. Parameters measured to assess the inflation characteristics were flow rate, fill times, and differential pressures in the suit. Anti-G Suits, Test method, Life support equipment, Don/doff requirements. Proceedings: 31st Annual SAFE Symposium.