Mechanisms for Improving Fidelity and Efficacy of Centrifuge Training Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Topic No.: N08-012 Topic Title: Mechanisms for Improving Fidelity and Efficacy of Centrifuge Training Proposal No.: N081-012-0224 Firm: Infoscitex Corporation 303 Bear Hill Road Waltham, Massachusetts 02451-1016 Contact: Anna Galea Phone: (781) 890-1338 Web Site: www.infoscitex.com Abstract: Improving the ability of ground-based simulators as a training mechanism for flight will enable faster and potentially more solid training of flight crew. With an eye to the requirements of the newest aircraft, which provide flight sensations and maneuvers previously impossible, we propose to improve centrifuge training. Specifically, we will tackle the issues of aberrant vestibular signals and of G-LOC training. Aberrant vestibular signals are caused whenever a subject moves their head in a direction other than that of the spinning centrifuge. We have developed a vestibular stimulation protocol that utilizes small amounts of current applied via skin electrodes that can simulate motion in stationary individuals. We will establish the use of this protocol to cancel the unwanted effects of a centrifuge trainer on the vestibular system. Gravity-Induced Loss of Consciousness (G-LOC) is a serious problem affecting even experienced pilots. While a well-performed anti-G straining maneuver (AGSM) can provide more protection than even a G-suit, there is no formal training metric. We will use our aeromedical and biomedical expertise to develop an unobtrusive sensor that can provide real-time feedback to the trainee as to the efficacy of their AGSM. Benefits: The proposed work will improve flight training, providing a means to make centrifuge training more realistic, and also a means to safely train the anti G-LOC straining maneuver. This will have immediate benefits on the efficacy of training and on the safety of our pilots. The AGSM device can also be used in flight, as an aid to pilots who might be susceptible to G-LOC due to fatigue or stress. In the military market, the technology will be applicable to all pilot training that will benefit from centrifuge training. This is of particular importance in aircraft that are capable of producing high G-loads and for the newest aircraft, which provide flight sensations and maneuvers previously impossible in older aircraft - it is of utmost importance to be able to train flight crew in the use of these new flight envelopes safely prior to in-flight training. The technology that we will develop during the course of our studies also has some immediate applications beyond the DoD market. This commercial market includes training for aerobatic flight, but also using our improved centrifuge training as a regular part of training and for training in the new paradigm of civilian space flight. Return