Evaluating Tactility and Dexterity for Military Aviation Protective Gloves

Abstract

To avoid penetration from chemical agents, U.S. military Aviators wear chemical-biological (CB) protective clothing, including gloves, while in CB threat environments. This protective requirement typically increases glove thickness which could interfere with tactility and dexterity needed to effectively operate aircraft. An applied laboratory evaluation was conducted to determine if current CB glove tactility and dexterity could be enhanced by the introduction of novel glove concepts. Aviator subjects performed objective tasks based upon standardized tests of tactility and dexterity. They also self-rated their ability to manipulate cockpit controls on aircraft simulator panels. A human factors questionnaire was administered following each test condition and at the conclusion of all conditions. Evidence from all data sources indicates that three novel glove concepts show promise for enhancing tactility and dexterity performance. The approach to combining multiple data sources, the methodological constraints, and lessons learned are discussed.