A new reduced oxygen breathing device – second-generation system, ROBD2, has replaced the altitude chamber for refresher training for the Iraqi Air Force.
7th Aeromedical Squadron aerospace operational physiology technician Sergeant Jennifer Flecker said the new device reduced the risk of decompression sickness.
The new ROBD2 training equipment uses sophisticated gas-regulating devices that can separate nitrogen gas from air for use in the device.
The device is connected to commercially available flight-simulator software and has multiple aircraft loaded in the system, such as the T-6 Texan, C-130 Hercules and King Air 350.
Pilots and aircrew members will still continue to go to an actual altitude chamber for initial training to understand what happens to a pilot during an emergency.
The US Air Force has procured two devices for use by the Iraqi Air Force, with the first device to remain in Baghdad while the second will be installed to aid with training at Tikrit, Iraq.
