The F-16 Onboard Oxygen Generating System: Performance Evaluation and Man Rating

Abstract : An onboard oxygen generating system (OBOGS) has been developed by Clifton Precision, according to U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) specifications, for a flight test demonstration in the F-16A aircraft. Prior to actual flight test, the system was certified at the USAFSAM as described in this report. Laboratory testing consisted of manned and unmanned tests at ground level, at altitude, during rapid decompressions, and during acceleration loading. System hardware consisted of a molecular sieve concentrator, breathing-gas regulator, selector valve, product gas composition controller, backup oxygen supply (BOS), and a breathing mask. These components replace current liquid oxygen (lox) components and eliminate the need to service lox converters, resulting in faster aircraft turnaround time, increased safety, and decreased cost. Laboratory test results indicated that the F-16A OBOGS was adequate for flight test and that the breathing-gas composition was physiologically capable of preventing hypoxia and reducing the occurrence of atelectasis. Furthermore, the OBOGS provided considerably less breathing resistance than current lox systems. The concentrator and BOS provided the ability and redundancy to protect the pilot throughout the operational envelope of the F-16A. (Author)