REPORT ON CONFERENCE ON THERMAL IMPROVEMENTS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP75B00285R000400110005-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 12, 2002
• Sequence Number: 5
• Publication Date: July 29, 1966
• Content Type: MEMO

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M PLY TO
ATTN CF i DCOL
SUBJECT: Report on Conference on Thermal Improvements
29 July 1966
TO t Commander
1HRU: DCO
1. A conference was held 28 July 1966 inI ffice at Burbank 25X1A
California. The following persons were present:
2. Subjects discussed primarily concerned the emergency suit vent cooling,
insulation material in the pressure suit and pressure helmet sun shade visor
coatings.
3. It was concluded that more measurements of the inlet outlet suit vent
temperatures are necessary. These measurements are to be taken periodically
throughout the entire flight. Prior to this time we have not been able to g ate tough information on an entire long hot flight to produce conclusiveE
results. assured that his people would be rebriefed on the
importance of this study and their complete cooperation and coordination
was necessary to expedite a positive solution. It was also stated that 4l~.
vital statistics such as time in flight, time at speed, altitude, fuel load
and configuration must be included with each temperature reading. A card
recording this information, plus the personal equipment configuration data
will be made up on each flight by an article that is wired with temperature
sensing device. 25X1
a. Thus far there have been several steps taken to aid in decreasing
the heat problem. One attempt is by the use of added insulated material. c \.
Due to the very high radient heat, it was felt that this might be the lit
answer and one of the subjects was fitted with the insulated material in
his suit and three more ordered. This test with subject 1050 was not
successful in that there was not enough tolerance in his suit to allow for
the extra bulk, which resulted in more restriction of vent flow and actual- 25X1
ly created a warmer condition than without the insulation. However, it is
still felt that increased insulation is part of the solution and more inten-
sive study and tests are programed in the immediate future.
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b. Another area under study is that of the coated visors and
helmets, I stated that tests thus far, clearly indicate
that there is a marked decrease in the temperature of the helmet and
visor after being coated. The sun shade visor is coated with I.R. on
the outside and A.R. inside, while the helmet is coated with silver.
It was established that there is a minimum of 10 degrees centigrade
to 12 degrees centigrade difference in the coated and non-coated
items. These temperature measurements were taken both at the exposed
surface and in the interior. Six (6} visors were procured through
Perkins-Elmer. are working with (4) four of the
units now and the other 2 have been sent back to David Clark.
fated that he would like to have the visor coatings done
by a
in the future as he was not satisfied
with zBe qu y o e rarra
he Elmer. said he did not
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completely agree? however, to check and see if there was any cost
difference and if not,, let them both work on it.
c. A manually operated, continuous flow oxygen cooling to the
face is another attempt at the solution to our cooling problem that
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are working with. It was mentioned
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however, that this system m t alsfl.. have aui;oatati c mesas of utting
off t e,_jupply of continuous flow 4MKjLqL rge~ncy escape. It was
su Bested that perhaps an antroid shut off could be incorporated into
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the manual valve that has been supplied by David Clark Co. E
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said that he would follow up on this.
d. A new design of the sun shade located on the inside of the
canopy, appears to have merit. The present horizontal shade is to be
moved forward and the new vertical, accordian type shade frill cover the
rear 2/3 of the cockpit. One shade has been sent to the area for test-
ing and evaluation. It was felt that if radient heat from the windows
and solar heat through the windows were contributing to the problem,
then both could be blocked by use of complete sun shades. Findings
will be included in later reports.
e. The phase II helmet with integrated mask has also been a
step towards better cooling. We presently are carrying six (6) in
our inventory. Subject 1051 now has two complete hose II helmets,
has one which he does not wear, has one which 25X1A
he wears every flight and has requested a second phase II helmet ask.
There are two a ase II helmets one being the prototype and the
other Subject 1046 has requested a phase II helmet and
mask also, to he will receive one of the spares, II said he 25X1 A
would check on the procurement of heft. Additional 25X1 A
phase II helmets with integrated masks have not been ordered as prior
to now there have been no special demands.
4. Evaluation items and maintenance of equipment.
a. Some of the test pilots are wearing evaluation items which
belong to the project. Prior to this time we have not been receiving
the evaluation data in return. 0 stated that in the future we
would receive evaluation information on these items.
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b. Due to the various programs, most of the test pilots fly at
different locations. As a result, their equipment is frequently in
transient and many times does not receive as good of maintenance as
it normally would. Some of the test pilots do not fly at
but once or twice a year and some have not flown here for over a
year. However, in some cases their equipment is still maintained
at and yet 90% of their flying is done at or
Edwards. tated that he would check into s. ALlsop
there are three suits in our possession that ve not been flown
for over 6 months to a year. These belong to
0 a ed that both pilots have equa a s a
other locations. suggested that we look over the
suits and if we can use them if so, do so, if not, then turn over
tol requested that he be sent a
message when we decide what to do with these suits. Upon return
to I was advised that Iliad approached 0 of
David ark Company and requested the following action be taken
regarding these suits.
(1) suit be packed and shipped to
at his present, . In the future he will hand carry his own
suit when ever scheduled to fly at
(2) 17-3 asserbiy will be fitted to
'I r ss le. If it cannot be fitted to
here et
it will be sent thirf other suit 7< assembly to L-J
Q~t Edwards,
5. Upon completion of the conference, was given an
extensive orientation and familiarization briefing and tour of the
present test facilities regarding the work being done by
and 0 there at Burbank.
Captain, USAF`
DCOL
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