Study to Compare Exercise, ‘G-suit’

[livvy]

Study to Compare Exercise, ‘G-suit’

By Andrew Tilghman - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Jan 24, 2009 7:09:46 EST

How well does the “G-suit” protect an aviator from the effects of high-speed turns in high-performance jets?

Naval aviation officials hope to tackle that question in a wide-ranging study of the most effective ways to help pilots push the limits of speed in tactical aircraft. At the heart of the study is an examination as to whether muscle-flexing and physical ability are more effective ways to battle the forces of gravity than a pressurized suit.

The study, commissioned in early January by the commander of Naval Air Forces, will feature a new round of research into G-forces and the best ways to counteract high-speed pressures that can abruptly drain blood from a pilot’s brain, causing lightheadedness, temporary vision loss or a blackout.

The latest research compiled by Naval Air Training Command from any number of organizations that conduct aeromedical studies suggests that the G-suit — a pressurized garment that inflates to prevent blood from rushing toward the lower body — is not the most critical element of G-force protection.

“For the past year and a half, we’ve been taking a hard look at the aeromedical research on G-tolerance and the performance of aviators,” said Rear Adm. Mark Guadagnini, chief of naval air training. “What it all indicates is that the biggest factors in G-tolerance and the ability of a pilot to perform are fitness levels, having been through centrifuge training and a good ‘anti-G-straining maneuver.’

more...


http://www.navytimes.com/news/2009/01/navy_gsuits_012409w/%2e

[mn9driver]

1. The g grunt has always been better than anything else.

...and fatboys like me were always better at it than the marathon runners. None of the gym rats could pull g's like I could....although they will probably end up living longer:P