SPERET | 24 bladders per suit and two extra helmets per crew were issued to the Test Aircraft Unit from Gunter because past results indicated these items often gave trouble. No special technician would be required for maintenance of these suits at the Proving Ground, but it was recommended that one airman in each crew become especially proficient in the nomenclature and repair of the suits. It was the opinion of SAC that a bail-out above 45,000 feet would be practically impossible, therefore only a normal H-2 bail- out bottle would be used. It was also recommended that a "hot locker" be constructed at Eniwetok where the Test Aircraft Unit could handle and store the 48 pressure suits and that Colonel Houghton visit Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, to study diets used and messing systems for an "alti- tude mess." From 29 November through 3 December Colonel Houghton and Major Hall took part in the High Altitude Indoctrination Course at Gunter, becoming thoroughly indoctrinated in the nomenclature, fitting, maintenance and use of the T-1. A list of necessary repair tools was forwarded to the 4926th Test Squadron (Sampling), the responsible agency for the care and storage of the T-l suits. D. RADIATION PROTECTIVE DEVICES FOR PILOTS During the same period, work was underwey at Kirtland to develop a new lead vest to be worn by the F-84 sampler pilots to minimize radi- ation hazards. As designed by the 4926th Test Squadron (Sampling), the vest was composed of two parts: a nylon, sleeveless vest that buttoned at the neck in the front; and the lead impregnated fibreglass attachment. This latter part was a chest=-size section of fibreglass with lead spi APWL/HC SCs sonanannaaeacne