The Aeroembolism Problem for Long-Range Missions

Abstract : It can be anticipated that cabin pressure differential will be lost in a significant proportion of high-altitude, long-range bombing operations. In such circumstances, it may be necessary to maintain as high an altitude as is consistent with the limitations imposed by the tendency of personnel to develop incapacitating bends, chokes, or other grave symptoms of decompression sickness (aeroembolism). By breathing undiluted oxygen for several hours under special discipline during the early phase of the flight, at cabin altitudes of the order of 10,000 to 15,000 feet, it is possible to almost completely avoid serious aeroembolism symptoms in later phases that may require cabin altitudes of the order of 35,000 to 38,000 feet, and would otherwise result in 15 to 30% incapacitation. It is shown that the problem becomes particularly acute if all members of the air crew are essential to the mission or to a successful return. Alternative methods of dealing with the situation are considered briefly.