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Air Force To Issue Pilots New In-Flight Relief Devices

The bladder relief devices are aimed at curbing pilots from dehydrating themselves before flights.

Maj. Nichole Ayers, 27th Fighter Squadron assistant director of operations and F-22 Raptor mission commander, removes a cover from the cockpit of an F-22, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Feb. 25, 2021. Courtesy: U.S. Air Force
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Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. Air Force is introducing a new "hands-free" in-flight bladder relief device, the Omni Gen. 3 Skydrate, for its aircrews starting in Spring 2022.
  • This device aims to prevent pilots from routinely dehydrating themselves before long missions, a strategy currently used to avoid in-flight bladder relief difficulties.
  • Pilot dehydration significantly reduces G-tolerance, physical and cognitive performance, and situational awareness, posing health and safety risks.
  • Developed rapidly following the "Sky High Relief Challenge," the new device is intended to improve aircrew readiness and health, especially for female aviators.
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If there’s one thing pilots and aircrews know, there are no pit stops when you’ve got to go while you’re on the go.

U.S. Air Force pilots will soon have an improved option when confronted with nature’s call during flight missions in the form of a new in-flight bladder relief device.

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