Many social and scientific developments were a direct result of Canada's involvement in the Second World War. Greater access to Canada's North was made possible by the impetus provided to aviation, and this was to have far-reaching consequences for the country's social and economic future.
Related to the progress made in aeronautics were advances in aviation medicine. Here, an Anti-G (gravity) suit is adjusted by its designer Dr. W.R. Franks (centre). The increasing flight speed of fighter aircraft necessitated some means to prevent pilot black-out by protecting the wearer from the effects of centrifugal force. To ensure an adequate supply of blood to the head and heart during a rapid turn, the water-interlined suit applied uniform pressure to the legs and torso of the wearer.
Air under controlled pressure has been substituted for the liquid, but today's fighter pilots still wear what amounts to an updated version of the Franks Flying Suit.
Courtesy: Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine, Department of National Defence
