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December 7, 2018 | International, Aerospace

Spanish vendors pitch new hypoxia-response training for military pilots

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PARIS – Spanish companies have unveiled a new system for simulating low-oxygen conditions that air force pilots may experience during flight.

The technology, made by Indra, one of Spain's leading high-technology companies, and iAltitude, a Spanish company specializing in high-altitude sports training, is the latest proposal to cope with the symptoms of hypoxia, which can cause pilots to fall unconscious mid-flight.

Air force pilots have a backup oxygen mask in case the oxygen levels drops too low but if the mask were to fail, pilots “must be able to identify the symptoms that precede hypoxia, a dangerous state that can cause loss of consciousness in a few seconds,” Indra said.

The system, which the company claims is “the first of its kind in the world,” consists of normobaric hypoxia equipment made by iAltitude that Indra has integrated into the simulator for the C101 Spanish Air Force training jet at the Madrid-based CIMA (Aerospace Medicine Training Center).

Whilst the pilots are training on the simulator, the system regulates the oxygen pilots get through their mask, reducing it progressively. Their responses are recorded and the data will be used by CIMA to design training programs tol alert pilots to pre-hypoxia symptoms.

Until now, training in hypoxia was mainly performed in hypobaric and normobaric sealed chambers in which trainees could undertake exercises to help them detect loss of oxygen, but these could not be undertaken simultaneously with flight tasks. The new system means hypoxia tests are now integrated with flight training, as the capabilities of each pilot to complete flight procedures in low-oxygen conditions are being evaluated continuously.

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2018/12/04/spanish-vendors-pitch-new-hypoxia-response-training-for-military-pilots

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It provides for a solid national partnership model with proven ability to transfer technology and qualify local labour, which guarantees the development of future strategic defence projects in Brazil. The naval alliance between thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Embraer Defense & Security can also enable creating a base for exporting naval defence products from Brazil. MEKO®: the authentic ship for blue waters The new multi-mission vessels will be based on the proven MEKO® Class shipbuilding solutions from thyssenkrupp Marine Systems that are already deployed in 82 vessels operating in the Navies of 15 countries, including Portugal, Greece, Australia, Argentina and Algeria. The MEKO® modular design concept facilitates local integration and technology transfer, helping to reduce maintenance and modernisation costs. Combining cutting-edge technology, innovation and robust combat capabilities, the MEKO® Class is an authentic escort vessel for operating in blue waters, featuring exceptional autonomy and robustness qualities. About Águas Azuis Águas Azuis is a special purpose legal entity established between thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, Embraer Defense & Security and Atech, a subsidiary from Embraer, to build four new Tamandaré Class ships in order to amplify and modernize the Brazilian Navy fleet. It will have a strong presence in the country and count on parent companies solid experience on diverse areas. The member companies have a solid and long-standing relationship, in addition to a strong presence in several countries. thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, a thyssenkrupp Group company, is the leader of the Águas Azuis naval partnership and one of the world's leading suppliers of systems for submarines and naval surface vessels, as well as maritime safety technologies, with a centuries-old history of shipbuilding. Embraer Defense & Security, Embraer's business unit, is present in more than 60 countries and is a leader in the aerospace and defence industry in Latin America. Atech, an Embraer subsidiary, develops innovative solutions for the air traffic control, command and control systems, cyber security, instrumentation and control systems, embedded systems, simulators and logistics areas. Atech also operates in other strategical projects of Brazilian Navy as the LABGENE (Nuclear Power Generation Laboratory), for which develops Control and Protection systems, and the tactical mission combat system for the H225M/H-XBR SUPER COUGAR for the Brazilian Navy, as well. Press contact: thyssenkrupp Marine Systems Stefan Ettwig Head of Communications T: +49 172 2490090 stefan.ettwig@thyssenkrupp.com Embraer S.A. Valtécio Alencar Head of Corporate Communications M: +55 11 98106 7295 valtecio.alencar@embraer.com.br View source version on thyssenkrupp Marine Systems: https://www.thyssenkrupp-marinesystems.com/en/press-releases/d/uid-2539b617-e129-4190-fd25-bd62b3e655e7.html

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