Personal Thermal Control System (PTCS) for Aircrew Thermal Protection

Studies have indicated that aircrew heat stress due to chemical warfare protective gear can be considerably reduced by body torso cooling. In order to provide torso cooling using a liquid vest, a cockpit mounted refrigeration system was developed as a portion of the Tactical Life Support System (TLSS) for protection of aircrews flying United States Air Force advanced tactical fighters(1)*. The performance characteristics, design parameters and testing of the refrigeration system known as the Personal Thermal Control System (PTCS) are discussed (2). The PTCS demonstrated compliance with all performance requirements and flight testing showed that body cooling is desirable.