Physiological measurement of the push-pull effect during flight

The Push-pull In-flight Research Program was a Canadian Forces sponsored set of experiments conducted during flight to investigate the bodily responses to +g_z exposure when preceded by low, or negative, g_z exposure. This type of exposure is known as the "push-pull" manoeuvre. It has been hypothesized that the physiological responses of the human body to this manoeuvre can lessen an individual pilot's g tolerance, thereby making him or her more susceptible to g-induced loss of consciousness. The overall aim of this thesis was to instrument an aircraft and perform in-flight research to collect data for evaluation of this hypothesis. As a joint research venture, the Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment, in conjunction with the Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine, performed a series of in-flight trials using a highly-instrumented CF-18 aircraft to gather physiological data on a wide spectrum of test subjects. The end-goal of this flight testing and follow-on research is to design a microprocessor controlled anti-g valve for future use in high-performance aircraft. This thesis evaluates the instrumentation approach, test procedures, and data gathering conducted during this test program. Preliminary results indicate the existence of a push-pull effect. Specific attention is given to the difficulties encountered with conducting experimental physiological research in an ejection seat equipped, high-performance fighter aircraft, and the methods and equipment developed to overcome these challenges.