Study on applying gradual-onset rate mode in acceleration tolerance determination

Objective To study the gradual-onset rate (GOR) mode on human centrifuge G-tolerance determination and the applications in pilot selection and training. Methods Twenty-five pilots were undertaken the G-tolerance examination under centrifuge GOR operating mode and completed high G centrifuge training at + 8.0 Gz level for 10 s. The pilots were divided into excellent group (n=13), good group (n=7) and mediocre group (n=5) by the high G training result. The pilots, G-tolerance under GOR mode and the anti-G effect of performing HP maneuver were analyzed. Results Under GOR mode pilots, strained tolerance (GOR2) was significantly higher than their relaxed tolerance (GOR1) (t=14.420, P=0.000). The differences on GOR1 tolerance and HP maneuver anti-G effect were not significant among different groups (F=2.593, 0.176, P>0.05). The GOR2 tolerance of excellent group was significantly higher than that of other 2 groups (P 0.05). Conclusions The G-tolerance and the effect of performing anti-G straining maneuver could be precisely and conveniently evaluated with GOR mode. It is necessary to establish the G-tolerance examination method and assessment criterion under centrifuge GOR mode for the G tolerance determination and training of high performance fighter aircraft pilot. Key words: Acceleration; Centrifuge; gradual-onset rate; relaxed G tolerance; Anti-G training