Human Systems facilities in FL
9 facilities
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.