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10 February 26, 2021 Aerotech News Aerotech News February 26, 2021 11
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Female fighter pilots test modified ATAGS “G-suit”

by 1st lt. to be easily adjusted for different body
Savanah BRay proportions, and the option for a “darted”
or tailored, custom waist that does not re-
53rd Wing
duce performance of the waist bladder that
EGlin aiR FoRCE BaSE, Fla. inflates during high-G maneuvers.
(aFnS) — Five female fighter pilots tested “In the past, some pilots with a shorter
a modified version of the Advanced Technol- torso have had issues with ATAGS that
ogy Anti-Gravity Suit Oct. 26-30, 2020. were too large riding up and causing bruis-
ATAGS is a proven design and a criti- ing on the rib cages, while pilots who are
cal life support item that protects aircrew hard-to-fit may have had one size that fits
members from the effects of high-G forces through the legs, but need a smaller size in
during maneuvers in fighter aircraft, but the waist,” said Charles Cruze, an AFLCMC
the ATAGS design, which has been in use Human Systems Division engineer. “Now,
since 2001, was developed primarily for the waist can be darted up to 3.75 inches,
standard men’s body types. Pilots who are allowing for a more custom and accurate fit,
shorter or have smaller or hard-to-fit body preventing both of those issues.”
types often struggle to properly adjust the To properly and safely test the ATAGS,
G-suit to fit well due to a limited range of the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron
adjustability in the standard sizes. executed nearly 20 sorties in F-16 D-model Savanah Bray
Directly tasked by the secretary of the Air aircraft. During these test sorties, pilots Five fighter pilots from various squadrons wear a modified version of the Advanced Tech-
Force, engineers and subject matter experts conducted low- and high-G basic fighter nology Anti-Gravity Suit. The modified ATAGS, which is the latest advancement in female
at Air Force Life Cycle Management Center maneuvers and specific profiles to allow for aircrew fitment, was flight tested at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. October 26-30, 2020.
and AFWERX set out to address priority accurate evaluation of the modified ATAGS.
shortfalls in female specific aircrew equip- F-16 D-models were used so that in each Sharon Rogers, 46th Test Squadron lead Brittany Trimble, an F-16 Fighting Falcon
ment and gear, to include ATAGS. Instead of sortie, a pilot wearing standard ATAGS test engineer. “Pilots were asked to evalu- instructor pilot, when asked about her ex-
creating a new product altogether, experts was in the aircraft to ensure safety, should ate based on not only the ATAGS during perience testing the modified ATAGS.
determined modifications could be made an issue with the modified ATAGS arise. high-G maneuvers, but also during regular The pilots and aircrew who tested the
to the current ATAGS design to better fit “For the purpose of this test, five pi- activities like sitting, standing, walking and ATAGS noticed significant improvements
women and various body types. lots and one aircrew member tested the climbing into and out of the aircraft.” in comfort and functionality in the modi-
The two major modifications to the modified ATAGS, and evaluated it based on “As more women strap into fast jets to get fied ATAGS.
ATAGS include wider lacing panels in the comfort and performance when compared the mission done, I think the Air Force is
waist, thigh and calf, which allows the suit to the normal ATAGS typically worn,” said heading in the right direction,” said Capt. See ATAGS, Page 12

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