The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory recently carried out an in-flight vapor purge test in a F-15E last month. The objective of the test by the 711th Human Performance Wing was to evaluate cockpit environmental conditions after a chemical weapon attack.
U.S. Air Force photo by Ilka Cole
“In order to develop the next generation of aircrew protective equipment we need to determine what level of protection aircrew members need,” said Joel Huddleston, 28th TES deputy division chief. “By aggregating this data, we will be able to specialize the suits and ensure the warfighter is unencumbered.”
For the data collection process, liquid methyl salicylate, also known as oil of wintergreen, was sprayed into the idling jet prior to taxi. Crew members are then exposed to the chemical after the liquid was vaporized by engine heat and get sucked into the cockpit.
The jet’s Environmental Control System is then supposed to purge the chemical out from the cockpit so that the crew can remove their protective gear. The objective is to determine how long it takes for the purge to complete.
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