Tactical vs. other simulated aerial combat maneuvers.

BACKGROUND

There is a need for a more operationally relevant +Gz profile for centrifuge-based research and evaluation. This article describes a simulated aerial combat maneuver (SACM) named the Tactical Aerial Combat Maneuver (TACM).

HYPOTHESIS

A more representative centrifuge-based SACM can be devised for high-G acceleration research and evaluation.

METHODS

TACM consists of 9G x 5 s, 5G x 1 s, 8G x 5 s, and 4G x 2 s. TACM was compared against the widely accepted 4.5-7G and 5-9G SACMs. There were 15 centrifuge subjects used in this study.

RESULTS

TACM accounted for all four incidents of G-Induced Loss of Consciousness (G-LOC); and most incidents of blackouts (5 of 8) observed.

CONCLUSION

TACM simulates the seesaw pattern of +Gz forces of aerial combat and retains the reproducibility needed for acceleration research and evaluation. TACM captures the high onset, high amplitude +Gz changes of aerial combat when G-LOC and blackouts are more likely to occur. TACM should be particularly useful for evaluation of G-protective equipment and maneuvers, as well as fighter aircrew medical evaluations.