Design and Evaluation of Thermal Protective Flightsuits. Part I: The Design Process and Prototype Development

Abstract

An aviator's flightsuit must protect against hazardous thermal environments. In addition, it must be comfortable, fit properly, allow for mobility, and meet several other expectations for military clothing. A systematic approach to designing protective garments is needed to ensure acceptance on all criteria.

The purpose of this study was to design and evaluate garment systems for optimum thermal protection for Canadian Forces flight personnel and to determine the effect of selected garment parameters (style, fit, closure system and seam type) on thermal protection. Part I focuses on the design process. Orlando's (1979) functional apparel design process served as the conceptual framework; for this study the process incorporated a literature search, material analysis, focused group interviews and movement analysis to develop design criteria and specifications for eight alternative flightsuits incorporating the parameters of interest. The design criteria included thermal protection, other functional requirements, psychological requirements, production and maintenance. Patterns for the garments were developed using AutoCAD® and PCPattern® software. The design process allowed systematic consideration of all related aspects of the problem. Evaluation of the garments is described in Part II.

Keywords

thermal protective clothing functional design process military flightsuits computer aided design (CAD).

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