THE ARCTIC SOLDIER: POSSIBLE RESEARCH SOLUTIONS FOR HIS PROTECTION

The results are summarized of a research program on auxiliary heating with minimum power. The program established the feasibility of 2 approaches auxiliary heating for the extremeties of the body and a conditioned air-clothing system that probably has primary application in hot andor toxic environments but could handle cold easily. Protection of the inactive soldier in extremely cold environments was resolved in terms of the parameters of weight and cost. A 7-lb prototype system was adequate to meet military characteristics of providing 8 hours of protection for the inactive man at -40 degrees F with a 3 milehour wind. Improvement in the weight factor can be anticipated as power source development improves over the current 16 watt-hourspound. A more immediate use of auxiliary heated handware and footware is in areas where power is available such as military vehicles, radio and radar equipment, and missiles. The auxiliary heating system developed is compatible with a 12- or 24-v AC or DC power source.