Outfitting a Fighter Pilot

G Suit
A pilot's G suit (also called "anti-G suit") is a one-piece jumpsuit that protects him from feeling discomfort and losing consciousness from the pressure of G forces bearing down on him. G forces are the forces of gravity that smack into the pilot as his plane speeds through the air; the faster he accelerates or decelerates, or changes direction, the greater greater the G forces. For example, a person on a roller coaster might experience two or three Gs—two or three times his own body weight—pushing his head and body backwards during the fastest parts of the ride. A fighter pilot coming out of a dive can experience up to nine Gs pushing against him, which prevent his blood from properly circulating around his body. Since a person can lose consciousness facing such Gs, a fighter pilot must wear a G suit, which is filled with a continuous flow of air. The air puts pressure on the pilot's abdomen and legs in order to keep blood from accumulating in those areas and starving his brain. (For more on gravity forces, see All About G Forces.)

Helmet
A pilot's custom-fitted helmet serves multiple purposes. It provides noise protection and cushions the head, reducing the pressure of extreme acceleration, which can cause headaches and swollen sinuses. Its padding and shape force its wearer's head forward towards the oxygen mask to ensure maximum intake of air. It helps to identify the pilot, whose call sign is stenciled across it. With its tinted visor, it shields the pilot's eyes from the sun. Lastly, the helmet contains radio equipment for communicating with other pilots and with ground control.

Night Vision Goggles
Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) allow a fighter pilot to fly in the middle of the night. By amplifying even the slightest visible light from inside the cockpit, NVGs illuminate the night in an emerald green and make potential targets visible. At a cost of $7,000 each, a pair of NVGs is the most expensive tool a fighter pilot carries. The goggles attach directly to the pilot's helmet and are used throughout a night flight, including during take-off and landing.

Mask
A pilot's oxygen mask is one of his key in-air survival tools. He receives breathable air through the regulator in his mask while flying. The mask automatically and continuously delivers air through a so-called "open circuit" so the pilot does not have to inhale to initiate airflow.

Exposure suit
In cold weather, a pilot will zip on his rubber-lined exposure suit (also called a "poopie suit" or "anti-exposure suit") underneath his flight suit. The exposure suit functions like a diver's dry suit, keeping him warm in the event that he lands in water following ejection. Exposure suits designed for the newest fighter jets, like the Boeing F-22, provide additional protection from chemical and biological agents.

Gloves
In the air, a fighter pilot wears fire-resistant Nomex gloves, which protect his hands from extreme heat in the event of fire. The gloves also keep his hands warm in cold weather.

Liner suit
Made from cotton and Nomex, a pilot wears this suit closest to his body to keep him warm, protect him from cold and fire, and absorb moisture. In very cold weather he might wear cotton and Nomex long underwear beneath his liner suit.

Boots
Leather boots provide ankle support and protect the feet.

Harness
Like a seat belt, a pilot's harness buckles him securely into his ejection seat (seen here).

Maps
Fighter pilots carry waterproof maps and flight plans in a leg pouch, which can be easily reached from a seated position.

Flotation device
An automatically inflating life preserver unrolls from inside the collar of the pilot's harness when necessary. Also, a fully inflatable raft is tucked into the pilot's ejection seat, in case he must spend a prolonged period in the water.