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Scientists at the Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL), a defence research laboratory here, have developed a prototype of a pressurised oxygen mask, which will be part of the life support system for pilots flying the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
The DEBEL director, G.P. Agrawal, told The Hindu that these masks were aircraft-specific. "We had developed similar masks for other fighter aircraft, and this one is being tested for use in the LCA. The technical trials should be over in two to three months," he said.
At present, the pressure-breathing oxygen mask (PBOM) is being imported, but "we can now make it here," said P.P.

Krishnapur, Scientist E, who heads the Department of Life Support System at DEBEL. Other key members of the team are A.S. Krishna Prasad and V.C. Padaki, Scientists F; T.M. Kotresh, Scientist E; S.N. Vijayalakshmi, Scientist C; and M.S. Subbalakshmi, Scientist D.
"Up to around 8000 ft, one can breathe normally," Dr. Krishnapur explained. With an increase in altitude, the partial pressure of oxygen (the component of total air pressure that oxygen is responsible for) falls along with the total pressure.
At sea level, the partial pressure of oxygen is 152 mm. The minimum partial pressure required is 103 mm. If the pressure of oxygen falls below this, a condition called `cerebral hypoxia' and other problems can occur.
Cerebral hypoxia is a condition in which there is decreased oxygen supply to the brain despite adequate blood flow. Symptoms include inattentiveness, poor judgment, memory loss and a decrease in motor coordination.
Brain cells are extremely sensitive to oxygen deprivation and can begin to die within five minutes after oxygen supply is cut off.
Prolonged hypoxia can cause coma, seizures and even death of brain cells.
In other words, if a fighter aircraft pilot does not get enough oxygen at the right pressure, the result could be fatal.
The mask provides pilots pressurised oxygen at the right concentration. "Beyond 30,000 ft, the mask will provide 100 per cent oxygen," Mr. Krishnapur said.
Fighter aircraft such as MiGs and Sukhois could fly at altitudes of 50,000 ft and the Mirage could go up to 60,000 ft.

The maximum altitude possible for the LCA is 50,000 ft., he said.
The mask is part of an integrated system with an automatic `oxygen diluter demand regulator' that ensures that the correct concentration of oxygen is supplied based on the pressure in the aircraft and the altitude.
"The mask is built in such a way that when it is fitted to the pilot's helmet an air seal is achieved," Mr. Krishnapur said.
"By modifying the hose through which the oxygen is supplied, and the harness mechanism which attaches the mask to a helmet, the mask can be used as part of the life support system for paratroopers as well," he added.
This life support system will provide oxygen for up to an hour inside the aircraft and between 30 and 40 minutes after ejecting from an aircraft.For more information,please visit http://www.bossgoo.com