Pressure suit

Pressure Suit

A pressure suit is a protective suit worn by pilots and astronauts to protect them from the potentially harmful effects of the extreme conditions in high altitude and space environments.

History

The development of the pressure suit has its roots in the early 20th century, with the advent of high-altitude balloon flights. The first pressure suits were developed in the 1930s by Wiley Post, who used them to reach altitudes above 50,000 feet. The technology was further developed during World War II for use by fighter pilots.

Design and Function

A pressure suit is designed to provide a stable environment for the human body under conditions where atmospheric pressure and oxygen levels are insufficient for human survival. It achieves this by creating a pressurized environment around the wearer, typically through the use of airtight materials and seals, and a controlled supply of breathable gas.

The suit is typically composed of several layers, including a comfortable inner layer, a pressure bladder that inflates to create the necessary pressure, and a restraint layer that maintains the shape of the suit. Some suits also include a thermal control layer to regulate the wearer's temperature.

Types of Pressure Suits

There are two main types of pressure suits: partial pressure suits and full pressure suits.

Partial pressure suits only pressurize certain parts of the body, typically the torso and head. They are often used by military pilots who may need to eject from their aircraft at high altitudes.

Full pressure suits, also known as space suits, pressurize the entire body. They are used by astronauts during spacewalks and other activities outside the spacecraft.

Future Developments

The future of pressure suit technology is likely to involve improvements in materials and design to increase comfort and mobility, as well as advancements in life support systems to extend the duration that a suit can be worn.

See Also

• Space Suit
• High Altitude Flight
• Astronaut Training

References

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  U-2 pilot suit up

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  AiResearch Advanced Extra-Vehicular Suit, 1967

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  MC-3 pressure suit front diagram

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  Caproni Ca.161 pilot

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  Joe Walker in X-1E

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  Gordon Cooper in Helmet and Pressure Suit