1. 2016 Maintenance Innovation Challenge
Aircrew Emergency Oxygen Simulator
PROBLEM STATEMENT
When in-flight emergencies occur, aircrew may have to activate their aircraft emergency oxygen system. The airflow from the emergency oxygen system to the operator is minimal in comparison to the normal aircraft oxygen system supply and can create a misperception that oxygen is not flowing and the system is inoperative. This causes misidentification of a faulty system and contributes to a high risk of hypoxia.
BENEFITS
The emergency oxygen simulator provides aircrew with awareness of what to expect while breathing on the emergency system. Having the awareness that airflow will indeed be minimal, but sufficient to support survival, gives aircrew confidence and allows them to concentrate on the remaining emergency procedures, mitigating CFIT risk for 7 billion dollars in total force assets.
Implemented at two additional fighter wings to-date (Kadena and Spangdahlem).
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTION
Maintenance professionals designed, fabricated, and built the USAF’s first ever aviator emergency oxygen simulator, dubbed the “Oxygen Bar”. The simulator provides operators a controlled and realistic experience of the emergency oxygen system.
Utilizing a Modified Advanced Concept Ejection Seat, a pull lever valve was connected to an oxygen manifold designed to regulate the exact minimal air pressure released from an emergency oxygen cylinder when activated.
GRAPHIC