Tamzin Hindmarch
A new-look uniform for US military helicopter crews has been unveiled this week.
The Air Warrior programme, set up by the US Project Manager Air Crew Integrated Systems (PM-ACIS), was charged with developing an integrated modular ensemble of personal life support equipment which could be introduced at the beginning of the 21st century.
The amount of safety equipment needed during operations can become a physical burden, increasing fatigue, reducing mobility, limiting visibility and even restricting an individual's ability to fly an aircraft.
The Air Warrior uniform is lighter and its built-in features include an electronic data manager, crash and post-crash survival equipment, technology for night vision, chemical and biological protection and increased noise, heat and flame resistance.
Its prototype design can be seen on display at the US Department of Defense Army stand in Hall 1.
Source: Flight Daily News