New Device Detects Pilot Blackouts

New Device Detects Pilot Blackouts

WASHINGTON—

During certain maneuvers¹, jet fighter pilots sometimes experience loss of vision and even loss of consciousness. Although short, these so-called ‘blackouts’ can have tragic² consequences. An Israeli company says it has developed a device that could save pilots’ lives at such moments.

Two different physiological³ situations can lead to a pilot’s loss of consciousness, says Elbit Systems senior research and development director, retired⁴ fighter pilot Yaron Kranz.

“One is 'G-LOC' or G Loss of Consciousness, and the other one is hypoxia which is lack of oxygen to the brain,” Kranz said.

G-LOC happens during sharp turns and high-speed accelerations⁵, when centrifugal force reduces the normal flow of blood to the pilot’s brain. At that speed, loss of control of the aircraft proved fatal for many pilots.

Hypoxia, or lack of oxygen, can affect anyone at high altitudes, which is why passenger planes are equipped with oxygen masks, deployed⁶ in case of loss of cabin pressure.

Current devices for preventing these dangerous situations are bulky so Elbit Systems and a startup called LifeBEAM developed a system called Canary.

Kranz says it uses small, non-invasive sensors⁷ built into the pilot’s helmet.

“The pilot doesn't have to do anything in order to activate⁸ those sensors and they are small enough and wise enough to give the information in order to gather the physiological data that is required,” he said.

When the danger is imminent⁹, the system flashes an alert message on the helmet’s visor. If it senses that the pilot has lost consciousness, it signals the plane’s computer to activate the autopilot.

Elbit Systems is now developing its Canary device for advanced U.S. F-35 fighter jets and other Western aircraft.

1 maneuvers   

n.策略，谋略，花招( maneuver的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• He suspected at once that she had been spying upon his maneuvers. 他立刻猜想到，她已经侦察到他的行动。 来自辞典例句
• Maneuvers in Guizhou occupied the Reds for four months. 贵州境内的作战占了红军四个月的时间。 来自辞典例句

2 tragic   

adj.悲剧的，悲剧性的，悲惨的

参考例句：

• The effect of the pollution on the beaches is absolutely tragic.污染海滩后果可悲。
• Charles was a man doomed to tragic issues.查理是个注定不得善终的人。

3 physiological   

adj.生理学的，生理学上的

参考例句：

• He bought a physiological book.他买了一本生理学方面的书。
• Every individual has a physiological requirement for each nutrient.每个人对每种营养成分都有一种生理上的需要。

4 retired   

adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的

参考例句：

• The old man retired to the country for rest.这位老人下乡休息去了。
• Many retired people take up gardening as a hobby.许多退休的人都以从事园艺为嗜好。

5 accelerations   

n.加速( acceleration的名词复数 )；加速度；（车辆）加速能力；（优秀学生的）跳级

参考例句：

• The two particles will undergo accelerations as a result of their interaction. 这两个粒子由于相互作用将获得加速度。 来自辞典例句
• Since the cord connecting the two blocks is inextensible, the accelerations are the same. 由于连接两物块的绳子无伸缩性，因此它们的加速度相同。 来自辞典例句

6 deployed   

（尤指军事行动）使展开( deploy的过去式和过去分词 )； 施展； 部署； 有效地利用

参考例句：

• Tanks have been deployed all along the front line. 沿整个前线已部署了坦克。
• The artillery was deployed to bear on the fort. 火炮是对着那个碉堡部署的。

7 sensors   

n.传感器，灵敏元件( sensor的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• There were more than 2000 sensors here. 这里装有两千多个灵敏元件。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Significant changes have been noted where sensors were exposed to trichloride. 当传感器暴露在三氯化物中时，有很大变化。 来自辞典例句

8 activate   

vt.使活动起来，使开始起作用

参考例句：

• We must activate the youth to study.我们要激励青年去学习。
• These push buttons can activate the elevator.这些按钮能启动电梯。

9 imminent   

adj.即将发生的，临近的，逼近的

参考例句：

• The black clounds show that a storm is imminent.乌云预示暴风雨即将来临。
• The country is in imminent danger.国难当头。