The Viagra Pilot
';AFP reports on our latest ingenuity.
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It might harm their reputation, but Israel’s air force is considering giving its combat pilots Viagra to improve their performance in the air.
A recent study conducted by Israeli doctors among mountain climbers in Africa found a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance in high altitudes, the mass-selling Yediot Aharonot reported.
The active ingredient in the drugs was found to make climbers perform better in an environment with less oxygen, which causes fatigue and dizziness.
This has led army doctors to consider giving jet fighter pilots - who can fly at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet - the same drug.
“The Viagra family of drugs is considered effective in these conditions because when there is a long shortage in oxygen it leads to high blood pressure in the lungs, and the drugs help fight that,” the report quoted military medical sources as saying.
An Australian immigrant to Israel, Aussie Dave has been blogging since early 2003.
February 8th, 2008 at 2:41 am
What an exciting way to “stiffen” defense!
February 8th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Do those pressure suits allow for the needed extra space?
February 8th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
[...] Soccer Dad looks at how Israel keeps its jets up. Humorous. [...]