Effects of Chemical Protective Clothing and Heat Stress on Army Helicopter Pilot Performance

Abstract

The U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory investigated performance of helicopter pilots flying in both temperate and hot weather, with and without various types of chemical protective clothing (CPC) and pilot cooling systems. These studies were conducted in the field and in laboratory environments and evaluated aviator performance under conditions that increase thermal loading to explore heat stress in aviation operations. The investigations defined expected flying limits and examined flight performance under these conditions. The results of early studies prompted evaluations of personal cooling devices and their functional utility for aviators. These investigations provided critical information to the operational community about the effects of CPC and heat stress on aviators operating in varied environments, especially hot desert or tropical climates.