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Mechanisms for Improving Fidelity and Efficacy of Centrifuge Training

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Navy 		Award ID:
87440 		Program Year/Program:
2008 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
N081-012-0224 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Infoscitex Corporation
303 BEAR HILL RD WALTHAM, MA -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2008
Title: Mechanisms for Improving Fidelity and Efficacy of Centrifuge Training
Agency / Branch: DOD / NAVY
Contract: N68335-08-C-0141
Award Amount: $79,995.00
 

Abstract:

Improving the ability of ground-based simulators as a training mechanism for flight will enable faster and potentially more solid training of flight crew. With an eye to the requirements of the newest aircraft, which provide flight sensations and maneuvers previously impossible, we propose to improve centrifuge training. Specifically, we will tackle the issues of aberrant vestibular signals and of G-LOC training. Aberrant vestibular signals are caused whenever a subject moves their head in a direction other than that of the spinning centrifuge. We have developed a vestibular stimulation protocol that utilizes small amounts of current applied via skin electrodes that can simulate motion in stationary individuals. We will establish the use of this protocol to cancel the unwanted effects of a centrifuge trainer on the vestibular system. Gravity-Induced Loss of Consciousness (G-LOC) is a serious problem affecting even experienced pilots. While a well-performed anti-G straining maneuver (AGSM) can provide more protection than even a G-suit, there is no formal training metric. We will use our aeromedical and biomedical expertise to develop an unobtrusive sensor that can provide real-time feedback to the trainee as to the efficacy of their AGSM.

Principal Investigator:

Anna Galea
Director of Technology Development
7818901338
agalea@infoscitex.com

Business Contact:

William F. Thompson
Contracts Manager
7818901338
bthompson@infoscitex.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

INFOSCITEX CORP.
303 Bear Hill Road Waltham, MA 02451

EIN/Tax ID: 043537120
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No