Life support (aviation)

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For other meanings, see life support (disambiguation)

Life support, or aircrew life support, in aviation, is the field centered on, and related technologies used in, ensuring the safety of aircrew, particularly military aviation. This includes safety equipment capable of helping them survive in the case of a crash, accident, or malfunction. Life support functions and technology are also prominent in the field of human space flight and astronautics.

The life support field includes the personnel and organizations dedicated to providing and maintaining this equipment. Such technologies include parachutes, emergency radios, weapons, and other equipment, as well as the suits worn by aircrew which carry them. Aircrew life support systems personnel are typically responsible for the maintenance of such equipment.

[edit] Military aviation

In military aviation, life support technicians are often members of aviation units. In the United States Air Force, aircrew life support personnel typically comprise a functional section within aviation squadrons.