Development of a gravity induced loss-of-consciousness (GLOC) monitoring system

The authors present the current status of a loss-of-consciousness detection and recovery system being developed by the US Air Force. It is noted that crucial issue of operational utility of a loss-of-consciousness monitoring system is pilot acceptance. Experience with the auto-save system demonstrated in the AFTI/F-16 has shown that a logic and aircraft-state system could do much to alleviate the loss of pilots and aircraft from the sequelae of gravity-induced loss-of-consciousness. A physiological state variable based system is described, and it is suggested as a natural choice for combination with an auto-save system and would result in enhanced reliability and reduce false alarm incidents, both of which would lead to greater acceptance and reliance on the system. The development of high-G training curricula for USAF pilots enrolled in lead-in fighter training at Hollomon AFB should greatly reduce the risk of GLOC. The development of an assisted positive pressure breathing system, called Combat Edge, will better protect Air Force pilots from long duration, high-G exposures, and will possibly help reduce GLOC statistics. However, neither of these developments, singly or in concert, will totally eradicate the GLOC problem. >