THE ARCTIC SOLDIER: POSSIBLE RESEARCH SOLUTIONS FOR HIS PROTECTION

• Main Author: Goldman, Ralph F.
• Other Authors: ARMY RESEARCH INST OF ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE NATICK MA
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1964
• Subjects: Protective Equipment; *PROTECTIVE CLOTHING; *ACCLIMATIZATION; ARMY PERSONNEL; SHELTERS; COLD WEATHER OPERATIONS; ARCTIC REGIONS; HEAT PRODUCTION(BIOLOGY); SHOES; SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH; EXPOSURE SUITS; HANDS; FEET; GLOVES; HEATING; CLIMATE; COLD TOLERANCE; Arctic
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0613189; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0613189

The results are summarized of a research program on auxiliary heating with minimum power. The program established the feasibility of 2 approaches: auxiliary heating for the extremeties of the body and a conditioned air-clothing system that probably has primary application in hot and/or toxic environments but could handle cold easily. Protection of the inactive soldier in extremely cold environments was resolved in terms of the parameters of weight and cost. A 7-lb prototype system was adequate to meet military characteristics of providing 8 hours of protection for the inactive man at -40 degrees F with a 3 mile/hour wind. Improvement in the weight factor can be anticipated as power source development improves over the current 16 watt-hours/pound. A more immediate use of auxiliary heated handware and footware is in areas where power is available such as military vehicles, radio and radar equipment, and missiles. The auxiliary heating system developed is compatible with a 12- or 24-v AC or DC power source.