Why isn the Air Force designing a replacement flight suit based on the ABU?
A 34: For several reasons, Air Force senior leadership decided that it would be premature, at this time, to move forward with development of a two-piece flight suit. Many Air Force pilots must wear a one-piece flight suit due to ejection seat requirements. As a result, it is imperative to continue with some variant of a one-piece flight suit. The AF is studying the possibility of a two-piece suit for some flight specialties; however, there is currently insufficient data to warrant moving forward with development. From a technical perspective, the Nomex fabric currently being used in the ABDUs is very difficult to print on, which would cause long delays in procurement. The ABDU is also more expensive than the one-piece flight suit. Q 35: The ABU is going to be issued to Airmen deploying in AEF 7 and 8. Will members in follow-on AEFs also be issued the ABU? A 35: Members in follow-on AEFs will be issued ABUs and DCUs depending on location of deployment. Airmen not deploying will replace
