FEASIBILITY STUDY AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN FOR A PERSONAL THERMAL CONDITIONING SYSTEM.

• Main Authors: Sullivan,J. J., Disco,N. R., Wong,A.
• Other Authors: SANDERS NUCLEAR CORP NASHUA N H
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1967
• Subjects: Thermodynamics; Protective Equipment; Escape; Rescue and Survival; *PROTECTIVE CLOTHING; *SURVIVAL KITS; RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPES; HEAT TRANSFER; ARCTIC REGIONS; PILOTS; FEASIBILITY STUDIES; EJECTION SEATS; TERRAIN; SEA RESCUES; RADIATION TOLERANCE; HEAT; AIRCRAFT CABINS; THERMAL INSULATION; REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; COOLING; Arctic
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0670212; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0670212

An airman forced to eject over Arctic terrain or cold water is faced with a very brief survival period after landing. (Approximately three minutes in 28F water.) This period of time is insufficient to initiate and accomplish a successful rescue mission. A study has been made to determine the feasibility of extending the survival period by warming the airman with heat generated by a radioisotope. A conceptual design has been created consisting of a network of water filled tubes worn beneath an insulated suit. Water in the tubes is heated by a 500 watt radioisotope to warm the pilot during a survival situation (28F water or -65F air), and is cooled by an 825 watt refrigerator to keep the airman comfortable while flying the aircraft with cabin temperatures up to 120F. A thermo-electric power generator supplies 12 watts of power for the water pump. Comparison studies of several radioisotopes have been made. System calculations and component calculations show that the concept is feasible and practicable for extending the survival period indefinitely. The survival system weight is estimated at 80 pounds and is configured to fit in a USAF standard ejection seat kit. (Author)