PRESSURE SUIT COMPARISON

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP75B00285R000300090003-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 6, 2003
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: June 25, 1970
• Content Type: MF

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MEMORANDUM FOR: Direl'edP_ot Sp?aLActivities
SUBJECT PresuM Suit Comparison
IDEA-0138-70
Copy /pf
25 June 1970
Two (2) pressure suits are currently being used in
the IDEALIST Program, the MC-3 partial pressure suit for
"C" Model flying, and the S1010 full-pressure suit for
"R" model flying. The purpose of this Memorandum is to
briefly compare and contrast the two (2) systems.
A. Partial pressure suits apply a mechanical pressure
(squeezing action) over the body's surface by means of
capstan/torso bladders. The torso bladder is inflated to
the same pressure as delivered to the oxygen-inflated
helmet, and is connected to the helmet so that slight
changes in pressure during the breathing cycle are com-
pensated for automatically. The capstans.are elongated
bladders which, when inflated, apply equal counterpressure
by tightening the inelastic material of the pressure suit
over the extremities. .The partial pressure suit is only
capable of maintaining a 40,000 foot equivalent altitude.
100% oxygen is breathed at all altitudes.
B. A full-pressure suit is a pneumatic pressure suit
that can be visualized as a man-shaped, form-fitting pres-
surized cabin. When inflated to balance the required
oxygen pressure in the lungs, the full-pressure suit ex-
pands away from rather than squeezing the body. Since the
oxygen pressure delivered to the lungs is balanced by gas-
pressure instead of mechanical pressure, comfort in the
dECRE
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inflated full-pressure suit is greatly improved over the
partial pressure suit. The full-pressure suit maintains
a 35,000foot equivalent altitude and 100% oxygen is
breathed at all times. Full-pressure suits were chosen
for this program because of the predicted long-flight
plans. These suits provide greater mobility, lessen the
chance of decompression sickness, and maintain a sea-level
oxygen environment.
C. Physiological protection provided by the partial-
pressure suit:
Equivalent Equivalent
Altitude Oxygen Altitude Pressure Altitude
ft ft ft
40,000 10,000 40,000
50,000 t,
63,000 tt it
100,000 tt
suit:
25X1
D. Physiological protection provided by the full-pressure
Altitude
ft
35,000
40,000
50,000
63,000
100,000
Equivalent
Oxygen Altitude
ft
sea level
ft
TT
Equivalent
Pressure Altitude
ft
35,000
tt
tt
TT
E. 'Comparison of exposure altitude unpressurized with
suit pressure applied:
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IDEA-0138-70
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Applied
Altitude
ft
Suit
Pressure
(psi)
38,000
0.5
42,000
1.0
47,000
1.5
53,000
2.0
62,000
2.5
77,000
3.0
Space
3.5
Ma.
pressure
F. Results of Extremely High-Altltude Decompressions
Because of some catastrophic occurrences during high
altitude flight in pressure suits, many test programs have
been conducted to try and determine survivability in a
grossly reduced barometkic pressure environment. The loss
of a pressure-suit glove in an F-104 resulted in a fatal
accident a few years ago because of a faulty glove ring
lock. It has been well established that such a leak as
would be created from glove loss is more than the pressure
suit can build up; therefore, no counterpressure is provided
the pilot.
Chimpanzee decompressions have illustrated that some
mammals tolerate this hostile environment better than others.
For example, chimps have been decompressed to 133,000 feet
without fatal results. However, time at altitude has been
less than three (3) minutes. Investigators teach us that
survivability most likely can be contributed to the tough
skin of the Chimp acting as a pressure suit which would not
be the case in man.
Project decompressions in chambers have been performed
at Detachment G with the urine-collecting device open al-
lowing for a ninety (90) liters per minute leak to, ascertain
if the suit can maintain pressure and to measure the amount
of emergency oxygen required for descent in such a configur-
ation. Both suit pressure and oxygen utilized were
nominal.
. SECRET
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IDEA-0138-70
Page 4
G. Figure I (attachment) compares the cabin pressure
altitude of the "R" Model with the aircraft altitude.
Attachment
As stated above
AMS/OSA,
Distribution
1 - Addee
2 - AMS
3 - " Chrond
4 - RB
Office of Special Activities
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