Physiological Research

ACT’s Aviation Hypoxia Training System solves most of the practical problems previously associated with hypoxia awareness training.

Features

Unlike old-fashioned chambers, we only change the percentage of oxygen in the air, NOT the pressure. This means:
  • No massive forces, so no need for heavy steel enclosures.
  • No need to equalize pressures to open the door.
  • No need to replace expensive, highly-stressed glass
  • No need for large vacuum compressors or high voltage power supply

Instead, lightweight aluminum-framed panels clip together to form a completely clear enclosure. The altitude-simulating air is created on-demand by lightweight, maintenance-free air-separation units. No high pressures are involved. There are no consumables. Finally, this is all managed using the world’s most advanced control system for altitude simulation.

The active barometric pressure reading is included in altitude calculations. As altitude is related to the partial pressure of oxygen, it is crucial to monitor both O2% AND pressure and combine these to calculate the effective simulated altitude.

1Physiological

Altitude set and displayed in Feet (or Meters) – More meaningful than using Percentage O2 and consistent with previous research using hypobaric chambers or true altitude.

CO2 monitored, included in system response. – Excessive CO2 indicates an stale air and can affect how humans handle altitude.

Multiple user-selected operation modes – Additional options include a power-saving mode for use between training sessions. Also, a state whereby the sensors all function but the equipment is not triggered.

Built-in self-calibration routine – Avoids the need for test gasses or for outside technicians to come and calibrate the controller.

2nd display located inside the enclosure (can be turned off) – A simplified display shows the instructors inside the chamber the effective altitude.

Altitude Stabilization

At sea-level, a 0.1 in the oxygen content. Traditional altitude control techniques do not work. Adding fresh air to go down or turning on a nitrogen supply to go up produce massive swings in altitude. Instead, ACT has developed an advanced system whereby the altitude is very carefully stabilized by making small adjustments in oxygen content.

What’s more, it performs differently at different altitudes, so the response is optimized across the range. The result is a rapid response when large altitude increases or decreases are desired, and a fine response to then stabilize the altitude at the set point. And maximum air-exchange to maintain a fresh interior and limit CO2.