Category: Aerospace medicine

In 1954, rocket sled pioneer John Stapp famously proved the human body could withstand incredible forces by surviving a peak of 46.2 Gs for a split-second. This extraordinary feat sparks a compelling question: Can a human survive 20Gs? The answer, as medical science reveals, hinges on crucial factors like the duration and direction of the force.

An average, untrained person can lose consciousness at just 4-6G without special training. So, **can a pilot survive 10G**? The answer is complex, hinging on a pilot's training, physical condition, the use of advanced equipment, and the duration of the exposure.

Experienced fighter pilots with specialized equipment can sometimes withstand up to 9 Gs for brief moments, but 10 Gs pushes the body beyond its sustainable limits. So, what does 10 g force feel like, and why is this level of acceleration so dangerous for the average human body?

The Armstrong Limit, named after U.S. Air Force General Harry G. Armstrong, is a measure of altitude where atmospheric pressure is so low that water boils at the normal temperature of the human body. But at what altitude does your blood boil? The answer is more complex than you might think and involves a process called ebullism.