The Portable Helicopter Oxygen Delivery System (PHODS) is a Soldier-worn portable oxygen system that delivers compressed oxygen from a lightweight steel oxygen bottle attached to the Air Warrior vest. The system provides oxygen via a nasal cannula, up to 18,000 feet, and via a mask at altitudes above 18,000 feet. PHODS provides supplemental oxygen without restricting movement in and around the aircraft. The system uses a battery-powered pulse-demand oxygen regulator unit that automatically provides on-demand oxygen regulated to altitude based on detected barometric pressure. The PHODS regulator includes algorithms to detect and react to the aviator’s breathing patterns to ensure that the user is receiving the proper oxygen flow based on individual physiological constraints.
The Soldier-worn PHODS components weigh six pounds, compared with the legacy Helicopter Oxygen System (HOS), which weighed more than 100 pounds. PHODS also improves mission capability in that each individual system can be replaced if there is a mechanical issue. Mechanical problems with the HOS meant the aircraft could not execute high altitude operations. PHODS is supported by a mobile oxygen generating/recharge station that is provided to designated units. The station combines the high pressure and variable flow rate available from an oxygen cylinder with the oxygen generation and replenishment of an oxygen concentrator. By simply connecting an empty oxygen cylinder, it will automatically refill. These mobile stations have the added benefit of being easily transported to battlefield locations.
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