Application of new human centrifuge in military aviation medicine

Objective To investigate the approaches and the application effects of acceleration tolerance screening and training for fighter pilots,-Gx experience,dynamic flight simulation (DFS) experience and physiological evaluation of anti-G equipment on new human centrifuge. Methods ①Twenty-four pilots underwent the relaxed+Gz tolerance examination on a single degree of freedom centrifuge (Model 63) and on new human centrifuge for comparison.②One hundred high performance fighter pilots carried out centrifuge training.Among them,42 pilots were in passive control mode while the other 58 pilots were trained by close-loop mode.③Eight pilots experienced -1.5 Gx and-2.0 Gx on the new centrifuge.④Eighteen pilots performed aerobatic maneuvers,such as left spiral,right spiraI,split S loop,immelmann,and barrel roll in DFS awareness.⑤Six volunteers and 9 pilots served as subjects.The tests of anti-G capability evaluation for suits,suits combined with pressure breathing for G (PBG),and suits combined with PBG and anti-G strainingmaneuver (AGSM) were conducted respectively. Results ①The mean relaxed+Gz tolerance of pilots obtained on the new and old centrifuge was (4.25±0.34) G and (4.41±0.14) G respectively (t=3.03,P<0.01).The difference would be relative to fatigue that caused by continuous running and pilots' endurance to the reduplicate riding.So the current+Gz tolerance screening method was applicable on the new centrifuge regardless of the influence of the above mentioned factors.②In the training under passive control mode,25 of 42 pilots completed the training of 7 G for 10 s,9 pilots for 8 G for 10 s and 2 for 9 G for 10 s.In the close-loop control training,48 pilots passed training of 7 G for 10 s,19 pilots for 8 G for 10 s,and 23 for 9 G for 10 s.③During-Gx experience,the feelings of dizzy and disgust were evident during the roll and pitch movements.④Pilots reported that DFS training was similar to actual flight and possessed great practical value in improving aerial combat ability.⑤The performance of anti-G equipments reached the functional requirement. Conclusions New human centrifuge can be applied in acceleration tolerance screening and training for high performance fighter aircraft pilots,-Gx experience,DFS training,and physiological evaluation for anti-G equipments.Relevant approaches have been established,and the application of new human centrifuge has acquired a satisfactory result.which lays the foundation for further work. Key words: Acceleration ;  Physical endurance ;  Eligibility determination ;  Anti-gravity suits ;  Protective devices ;  Aerospace medicine ;