Centre of Aviation Medicine Hawks

[Dave Smith]

A quick google reveals

"Flying fast-jet aircraft puts the cardiovascular physiology of the human body under extreme physical stress, and without intervention would cause the pilots to lose consciousness through lack of oxygen to the brain - black out (known as G-LOC). Medical effects caused by flying and g-forces are researched at the centre which include deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The Eurofighter Typhoon pilots can experience 9g. Other dangers include rapid uncontrolled decompression from leaving a pressurised aircraft, and the centre has a hypobaric chamber."

They also assist crew who have allergies to bits of flying clothing such as the seals in immersion suits, the rubber in oxygen masks.

[Dave Smith]

Thats one way of viewing it.

[RickIngham]

From what i'm told they also send student pilots to them if they struggle with air-sickness whilst at RAF Valley. They fly until they feel sick then try to increase the tolerance over a few sorties...

[wokka]

Doesnt sound like a lot of science in that! That slike telling someone who gets sick after getting drunk on their 18th birthday, to go out the next night and drink more so they wont feel bad the next time!

[RickIngham]

Try and find BBC's "Combat Pilot" episode 3 - think it's on that too...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/northwest/si ... lot3.shtml" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[RickIngham]

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive.cfm? ... BEA2CDD6C5" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

But the Flight is not just about testing equipment, as it also helps aircrew combat air sickness issues or helps to rebuild their flying ability after an injury.

"Any aircrew who suffer from air sickness or have had an injury will be referred to us through RAF CAM and we will put them through a flying programme tailored to their needs.

http://www.rafnews.co.uk/readstory.asp?storyID=727" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;