Female Air Force pilots are testing the Airus system, developed by Airion Health, to make urinating easier and safer during long flights. This new bladder control system was created after the US Air Force issued a challenge to design bladder relief systems for female pilots. The new system is designed to provide an improved solution to the current methods of in-flight urination, such as adult diapers or holding it, which can be hazardous. The cup liner system is designed to be worn under underwear and connects to a pump system that moves the liquid away from the body and into a bag. Other recent changes in the military aimed at assisting female military personnel include the development of a maternity flight suit and allowing women to keep longer hairstyles than in the past.
Air Force Pilots Test New Technology to Address In-Flight Urination Issue
Female Air Force pilots are among the first to test a new system aimed at addressing a long-standing problem concerning in-flight urination during long flights. The Airus system, developed by Airion Health, is specifically designed for the female body and is meant to make urinating easier and safer during long flights.
This new bladder control system was developed after the US Air Force issued a challenge in the summer of 2020 to design bladder relief systems for female pilots. Airion Health was one of the 11 companies to win the challenge, and in 2022, it was one of only two companies to win prototyping contracts.
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina is the primary testing site for the new system, with four other Air Force bases also participating in the trial. Justin Spurling, 46th TS aircrew flight equipment test engineer, said that the test requires the units to perform ground integration events with the system and the aircraft, and feedback would be provided regarding human systems integration.
The new Airus system offers a solution to the current in-flight urination methods that have often been a concern for female pilots. For example, many women have attempted “tactical dehydration,” which involves avoiding fluids several hours before flights. However, this option comes with other health concerns that can be fatal when combined with high g-forces during flights.
Other past options have included using adult diapers, holding urine, or even using a bag system to hold urine. The new cup liner system is designed to be worn under underwear and connects to a pump system that will move the liquid away from the body and into a bag.
The Navy has also invested $1 million in devices and uniforms to help pilots relieve themselves during flights. As of 2019, the US Navy Mishap Prevention and Hazard Abatement Program (MPHA) used $800,000 to purchase 160 medical-grade urinary devices that cost $5,000 apiece, with the remaining $200,000 invested in two-piece flight suits.
The Airus system is part of a growing number of enhancements in the military aimed at assisting female military personnel. Other recent changes include the development of a maternity flight suit and allowing women to keep longer hairstyles than in the past.
In summary, the new Airus system developed by Airion Health is being tested by female Air Force pilots in North Carolina to provide an improved solution to the in-flight urination issue. This system offers a better option to the current methods, including adult diapers, holding urine, or using a bag system to hold urine. The new cup liner system is designed to be worn under underwear and connects to a pump system that moves the liquid away from the body and into a bag. This new system is part of a series of enhancements the military is making to better assist female military personnel.
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