FRE 315
IMAGELieutenant Donald W. Johnson, pilot of the 339th Fighter Group, watches on as Captain Charles D. Nethaway demonstrates how the "G-suit" worked. "G-suits" were developed to counter the blackouts that pilots suffered when the G-force on their bodies during tight turns forced the blood from their brain to the lower part of their body. Inflated by the exhaust of the P-51 Mustang's vacuum system, the suits applied pressure to the pilot's legs and abdomen, forcing the blood to continue to circulate around the upper body. The suits were issued to 339th Fighter Group in June 1944.
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Units
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 339th Fighter Group 503rd Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-665203
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 339th Fighter Group
- Highest Rank: Captain