The Air Force is scheduled to receive the first shipment of the Omni Gen. 3 Skydrate, an improved in-flight bladder relief device, in early December. The Air Force recognized that current devices were not optimized for long-duration sorties, and as a result, aircrew were routinely dehydrating themselves to delay the need for bladder relief. Dehydration can lead to reduced endurance and G-force tolerance while in the aircraft, as well as other negative health issues.
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Maj. Nichole Ayers, 27th Fighter Squadron assistant director of operations and F-22 Raptor mission commander, removes a cover from the cockpit of an F-22, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Feb. 25, 2021. As a result of Sword Athena 2020, hair regulations for Airmen were changed to allow braids and ponytails in uniform (Picture source: USAF)