Climatic Research Laboratory at Farnborough R.A.F institute of Aviation Medicine: In order to study aviation conditions and to control the conditions while the study is progressing a Climatic Research Laboratory has been constructed at Farnborough, Hants. This laboratory is far in advance of any previous lab. of similar operation. Problems which arose soon after the war as a result of extreme climates faced by airmen of the R.A.F are studied. It was found that Bomber crews, after flying at high altitudes over European targets, had to work under conditions of extreme cold while, at the other end of the scale, it was found that cabin temperature of aircraft in the tropics frequently rose to dangerously high levels. The Lab. is in the form of wind tunnel providing a large chamber for the independent and accurate control of such items as Air Temperature; Relative Humidity; Wind Velocity; Ventilation; Surface Temperatures; Sunlight; Rain etc.. at the far end of the tunnel is another room in which conditions of air temperatures, relative humidity and wind velocity can be maintained and which is suitable as sleeping or living space during prolonged tests. Other rooms provide facilities for the study of different types of clothing under different conditions; drying rooms; changing and shower rooms, a dark room. a laboratory for chemical and gas analysis etc. It is a completely self contained research unit. Photo shows The air conditioning of an entire aircraft cabin may necessitate large and heavy machinery. In order to reduce the weight of this plant, ventilated clothing is being developed. Conditioned air is fed directly to the skin under the clothing where it is acutally needed and subjects may be kept comfortable in this way when exposed to very high temperatures. F/O. G.Bundy is seen here wearing the air ventilated suit over which he wears his overalls. The suit is connected to a supply of air at known temperature and humidity. The sweat loss of the subject is measured by weighing him before and after exposure.
Photo measures 8 x 10 inches.
Photo is dated 5-5-0000.
Photo back:
