Human Systems facilities

2-Person Chamber for MOPP Ensemble Man in Simulant Test (MIST)

Natick, MA

A Man-in-Simulant Test (MIST) Chamber has been constructed at the Natick Soldier Center to measure vapor leak through chemical protective clothing ensembles. The chamber uses common approved chemical agent simulants that are recaptured after use to evaluate the protection factor associated with chemical protective clothing. The 2-man chamber provides two-hour MIST testing of new ensemble designs to identify protection issues during the research and development phase of these items. This testing is particularly valuable in assessing mask, glove, boot and garment interfaces as well as screening potential closure systems of any chemical protective item during prototyping. On-site testing will reduce development time and cost, reduce the amount of agent simulant required by larger alternative facilities and provide an immediate feedback mechanism for evaluating new ensembles and closure technologies.

Biophysical Laboratory

Natick, MA

Using a variety of instrumented equipment including sweating thermal mannequins, a thermal hand, a thermal foot, a guarded hot plate, and a Rapid-k instrument, we can evaluate the thermal protection of materials, garments, personal heating or cooling systems, and sleeping bags, and predict performance in a variety of work/clothing/environment scenarios. This laboratory has assisted in the development of extreme and cold weather clothing, firefighter ensembles, personal heating and cooling systems, and chemical/biological protective gear.

Camouflage Evaluation Facility (CEF)

Natick, MA

Technological advances in sensors drive the requirement for enhanced individual signature reduction against current and emerging sensors as employed in battlefield and civilian scenarios. The Materials and System Integration Team works with DoD users to define and quantify requirements in support of systems that are responsive to diverse operational scenarios. Current projects include head/face and hand treatments, Reversible Camouflage, Improved Visual and Near-Infrared Camouflage Protection, and Short-Wave Infrared Camouflage Protection. All of these efforts are greatly enhanced by evaluations made in the Camouflage Evaluation Facility.

Clothing and Individual Equipment Test Areas

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Design and Prototype Facility

Natick, MA

In the Design Facility, highly skilled clothing designers develop patterns and fabricate prototypes of end items. The facility has the various sewing machines, presses, fusing machines and ultrasonic machines necessary to accomplish this mission. These prototypes allow for initial fit/wear tests and assist in the preparation of technical data packages for large-scale procurement. Based on data collected, design changes are made and implemented, as necessary, throughout the development process, resulting in a proven final technical data package/purchase description and master pattern.

Doriot Climatic Chambers

Natick, MA

The size and configuration of the chambers provide great flexibility. The dual chambers allow simultaneous testing in both tropic and arctic environments. This enables you to have numerous studies completed in a relatively short amount of time, which calculates into savings. The sizes of the wind tunnels are 60 feet long by 10 feet high by 15 feet wide. The external access doors of each chamber are 8 feet high by 10 feet wide.

Durability of G-Tolerance in the Absence of Repeated G-Exposure

Pensacola, FL

Background: At present, it is impossible to completely protect aircrew from the risks of G-induced loss of consciousness; the capabilities of today’s high-performance aircraft are simply too great. And to compound the issue, it is common “gouge” in the aviation community that time away from your aircraft (“G-layoff”) will reduce your maximum G-tolerance. But despite anecdotal reports and a widespread belief in the phenomenon, little has been written, tested or proven on this G-layoff topic.

Footwear Durability Course

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Handwear Course

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Health Physics Team and Radiochemistry Laboratory

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Human Factors and Air Flow Test Facility

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Human Factors Engineering (HFE) Mobile Data Acquisition System

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Human Factors Laboratory

Edwards AFB, CA

Hydro-environmental Simulator and Submersible Thermal Mannequin

Natick, MA

Our unique Submersible Thermal Mannequin is fully instrumented, permitting accurate measurement of body heat transfer while submersed in controlled air and water environments, including simulated seas. The mannequin is comprised of 10 independently controlled zones. Anti-exposure suits and diving components have been tested in this simulator with the submersible mannequin.

Hydrospace Laboratory

Panama City, FL

The laboratory covers 6,000 square feet and houses seven hyperbaric test chambers ranging in size from 18 inches inside diameter by 24 inches long, to 4 foot inside diameter by 11 feet long, a test tank, and data acquisition and processing systems that allow unmanned simulation and testing. The chambers provide hyperbaric capabilities to 2,500 psig (5,600 feet of sea water), and hypobaric capabilities to 0.1 psia. The chambers can be pressurized with nitrogen, helium, air, water, or any combination. They can be chilled to 25 degrees Fahrenheit or heated to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and maintained within +0.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Each chamber will accommodate a color cameras system rated for 2,500 psig. The camera system is suitable for use dry or submerged in water. The chambers can be compressed and decompressed on a custom multilevel dive profile for an infinite number of cycles under full computer control. All instrumentation is calibrated and is traceable to the National Institute for Standards and Technology. The facility also maintains two breathing machines to simulate human physiology in the development testing of life support equipment.

Hyperbaric and Diving Facilities

Port Hueneme, CA

The Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center (NFESC) Hyperbarics and Diving Systems product line is the Navy's "Center of Expertise" for all shore-based diving related activities. Based out of the East Coast Detachment of NFESC at the Historical Washington Navy Yard, we provide all of the acquisition services for all shore-based diving related activities including:

Impact Acceleration Measurement and Injury Assessment

Pensacola, FL

Background:Injuries sustained in aviation mishaps are often the result of impact under high acceleration. Knowledge of the type, magnitude, and direction of impact acceleration experienced by the mishap aircrew could permit more timely and effective diagnosis and treatment by medical personnel than would be possible without this information. Small and lightweight acceleration sensors are now available which could be worn in conjunction with flight and/or survival gear to record impact acceleration data in the event of a mishap.

Indoor Armor Test Ranges

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Information Processing & Display

Groton, CT

The Naval Submarine Medical Research Lab continues work with the Submarine Learning Center as part of Task Force EXCEL. The Task Force for Excellence through Commitment to Education and Learning (EXCEL) was established by the CNO as the catalyst for the Revolution in Training. In the process of defining individual human performance requirements for submarine tasks, the team conducts job analysis meetings focused on six rates. They define the human performance requirements by identifying specific job tasks and dividing them into specific behaviors and determining the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform each. Once defined, these requirements are validated and prioritized by CFFC (Commander, Fleet Forces Command), or other equivalent decision-makers. One of our research psychologists participated as a Human Performance Professional in the Machinist Mate (Weapons) (SS) Scoping Meeting held at Naval Submarine School, Groton, CT. Additionally, our scientist participated in the Electronics Technician (SS) Job Task Analysis in Norfolk.

Multi-Lingual Interview System

Pensacola, FL

To provide advanced medical technology for operational forces worldwide in foreign language translation and telecommunications.

Night Visual Acuity Tester

Pensacola, FL

Background: Currently, no established routine clinical test is available to measure night visual acuity, and it cannot be predicted from eye examinations and/or daylight visual acuity. In normal subjects, night visual acuity can vary greatly from 20/60 to 20/300.

Ocular Torsion During Flight

Pensacola, FL

During flight maneuvers, the pilot’s head attempts to maintain alignment with the visual horizon. This optokinetic cervical reflex (OKCR) is thought to improve spatial awareness by establishing the horizon as a stabilized, primary visual reference. The interactions between the OKCR and natural ocular reflexes during flight are completely unknown.

Parachute Range Facilities

China Lake, CA

Overview. More than two decades ago, NAVAIR WD became renowned for our unparalleled expertise in the development and testing of parachute systems. If it uses a parachute, we've probably tested it! Our goal: To keep our Fleet alive! We have expertise in escape system design including concept definition, component level design, producibility, manufacturing, quality assurance and testing, and air vehicle recovery and weapon retardation.

Real-Time Vestibular Modelling and Spatial Orientation

Pensacola, FL

Background: The vestibular system serves as an important input to an individual’s spatial orientation. The output of the vestibular system, however, does not accurately reflect actual orientation under dynamic conditions. It is hypothesized that the error between the orientation suggested by the vestibular system and actual orientation can lead to spatial disorientation.

Reduced Oxygen Breathing Device

Pensacola, FL

Until recently, exposure of the aviator to hypoxic conditions was not possible without the dangers of hypobaric conditions. The reduced oxygen-breathing device (ROBD) has revolutionized the way aerospace medicine clinicians and researchers may evaluate aviators under hypoxic conditions while performing simulated flight activities. The ROBD works by delivering a varied percentage of oxygen and nitrogen under normobaric conditions to the trainee through a standard Navy oxygen mask. The advantages of the ROBD are numerous. Because the ROBD remains at sea level atmospheric pressure there is no risk of altitude DCS or barotraumas. Weighing approximately 40 lbs and measuring 20’’x 32’’x 12’’ inches, the ROBD is extremely portable compared to a hypobaric chamber. Additionally, the manning and maintenance requirements are much lower for the ROBD, involving a maximum of two instructors to operate compared to as many as nine for the hypobaric chamber.

Repeated Jolt

Fort Rucker, AL

Combat crews riding aircraft and ground combat vehicles are exposed to repeated impacts and jolts due to ride motion. The upper safety limits exposure to ride forces are unknown. USAARL's manrated Multiaxis Ride simulator (MARS) is a unique permanent facility that replicates the ride motion of any Army aircraft or vehicle.

Safety Equipment

Fort Rucker, AL

Mandated by Army regulation, the triservice Aviation Life Support Equipment Retrieval Program (ALSERP) includes aviation helmets and clothing, crashworthy seating, and restraint systems. Our team of ALSERP researchers consist of physicians, engineers, aviators, and safety experts who study the performance of ALSE recovered from U.S. Government aircraft mishaps. Relating investigation findings to aircrew member injury patters, the experts propose design and operational improvements to ALSE developers and the user community.

Tactical Medical Coordination System

Pensacola, FL

TacMedCS (Tactical Medical Coordination System) is a wireless communication system that uses radio frequency (RF) technology to capture and display real-time casualty data in the field. The collected data is used to identify, locate, and track casualties and medical resources. TacMedCS users include both military medical personnel and civilian emergency responders. TacMedCS is applicable in conventional warfare, humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping, disaster relief, and homeland defense settings.

Test Facility

Fairmont, WV

Thermal/Flammability Laboratory

Natick, MA

Using benchtop tests and full scale mannequins, we can evaluate the effects of thermal energy (conductive, convective, and radiant) on fabrics and protective clothing systems, and then predict heat transfer and potential burn injury due to thermal, flame or steam conditions. An articulated mannequin that replicates body movements is being developed. Our full scale thermal test facilities include the Thermal Oven, the Steam Chamber, and a Dynamic Fire Test Chamber. Benchtop tests include the Vertical Flame Tester, the Thermal Protective Performance Tester, and the Radiant Reflective Tester. This laboratory has been utilized in the development of flame retardant clothing and firefighter gear.

Water Purification Test Facility

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD