Ventilation index of helicopter pilot suits

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Abstract
The main function of helicopter pilot suits used in offshore flights is to provide thermal protection in the event of cold water immersion and to allow maintenance of thermal comfort during normal use. As part of a larger study to assess the thermal characteristics of helicopter pilot suits, the ventilation index of four suits was determined using the methods outlined by Birnbaum and Crockford (1978). These methods involved determining the microenvironment volume and the rate of air exchange of the protective clothing assembly. Results showed that in the standing motionless subject, the Nomex and Cotton Ventile suits had the higher ventilation indices of 1·53 and 0·91 litres.min−1, while the Nomex/Insulite and Goretex suits had substantially lower ventilation indices of 0·07 and 0·03 litres.min−1. These ventilation indices are due to the fabrics used in construction and the design of the suit.

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