Physiological Consequences: Cardiopulmonary Vestibular, and Sensory Aspects

Discussing the physiological consequences of enhanced fighter manoeuvrability (EFM), aspects of cardiopulmonary reactions will be seen during high G manoeuvres, especially the combination of negative G-load followed by high G-onset manoeuvres ("push-pull"). The aircraft's capability to reach high altitude with a very short time (due to the lift to weight ratio of more than 1) may produce new problems even during normal aircraft operation, e.g. decompression sickness (DCS). The incidence of vestibular problems may be increased by unconventional acceleration exposures. Sensory stimulations may be induced by high acceleration allterations in the roll, pitch, and yaw axis. The support by an advanced G-protection garment will be needed. For the "care free" handling the advanced G-protection device must work without any delay in time even during high acceleration transitions, must secondly include high altitude protection, and thirdly must ensure pilot comfort. Furthermore, special training devices are required such as the human centrifuge as a dynamic flight simulator (DFS) with a fully gimballed system, and a spatial (dis)orientation device with a fully three-axes gimballed system. Pilot selection and medical survey with high sophisticated diagnostic tools will become more and more important. Last but not least the need of special physical training will be required to enhance the aerobic endurance and the anaerobic power, to train the cardiovascular reflexes, and to increase psychomotoric stability and mental mobility.