Item 2016.031 - Chinese Air Force F-118 Fighter Pilot's Anti G-Suit

Identity area

Reference code

2016.031

Title

Chinese Air Force F-118 Fighter Pilot's Anti G-Suit

Date(s)

  • 15 June 1981 (Creation)

Level of description

Item

Extent and medium

1

Context area

Name of creator

Chinese Air Force

Administrative history

Repository

Westminster Menswear Archive

Archival history

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Content and structure area

Scope and content

This suit, made from polyester and nylon, is equipped with a hose connector that attaches to the aircraft’s anti-G system, allowing it to inflate and deflate a series of internal air bladders along the abdomen and legs. When inflated, these bladders apply pressure to the abdomen and legs, tightening the fabric around the sides and back of the legs to counteract the effects of G-forces. A manufacturer’s label with Chinese characters and a date in Western Arabic numerals is located inside the right shoulder.
Country of Design: China.

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling

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      Physical characteristics and technical requirements

      Polyester and Nylon
      Colour/Print: Olive Green

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      Notes area

      Note

      Invisible Men exhibition label:

      CHINESE FIGHTER PILOTS ANTI-G SUIT
      Maker unknown
      2010

      Flight suits such as this one are designed to protect pilots from blacking out when they are subject to high levels of acceleration – g-force – when flying. This can cause the blood to pool in the lower part of the body and deprive the brain of oxygen. Air is pumped into the suit to pressurise the legs and abdomen.

      Polyester and Nylon
      Archive no. 2016.031

      Note

      From Inside the Westminster Menswear Archive:

      F118 FIGHTER PILOT’S SUIT
      Chinese Air Force
      1981
      Modern fighter aircraft, such as the F-16, can subject the pilot to 9G, or 907 kilograms (2,000 pounds) of pressure. Without a G-suit, the pilot’s blood would quickly pool in the lower body, depriving the brain of oxygen, causing unconsciousness and a high likelihood of crashing. The suit is equipped with a hose connector that attaches to the aircraft’s Anti-G system and inflates and deflates a series of internal air bladders on the abdomen and along the legs. When these air bladders are inflated, they apply pressure to the abdomen and legs and tighten the fabric around the sides and back of the legs. The intricate arrangement of webbing, lacing and tape on the G-suit influenced Helmut Lang’s 2003 aviator flight trousers.
      Polyester, Nylon
      Archive no. 2016.031

      Alternative identifier(s)

      Alternative Identifier

      U.CV.CN1 - 2016

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