AIMTo assess the +Gz protection afforded by an advanced bladder anti-G system in the centrifuge against a capstan anti-G system.

METHODSTow centrifuge experiments were completed, respectively, by two groups of six male subjects. In the first experiment, subjects using advanced bladder anti-G system, the +Gz protection afforded by this anti-G system was determined. Then they were exposed to simulated air combat maneuver (SACM)I with leg straining, the +Gz-time tolerance was determined. In the second experiment, subjects using capstan anti-G system, the +Gz protection afforded by this anti-G system was determined. Then they were exposed to SACMII with anti-G straining maneuver, the +Gz-time tolerance was determined.

RESULTSThe anti-G effectiveness of the advanced bladder system was 5.33 G, which was significantly higher than that of the capstan system by 1.35 G (P < 0.01). All subjects of the two groups passed themselves SACM, but the effort, fatigue, and heart rates of the first group subjects were lower than those of the second group subjects.

CONCLUSIONThe results demonstrate that the +Gz protection afforded by the advanced bladder anti-G system is significantly higher than that by the capstan system.