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Engineering Division 49
Memorandum Report No. ENG-695-32-N
4 March 1944

APPENDIX VI

Results on Tests on WASP Flying Boots.

Types of boots tested:

#1--side zipper, strap, ridged grip sole.
#2--side zipper, strap, "w'd" sole.
#3--side zipper, front lacing, "w'd" sole.
#4--"arctic" type front fastening.

Results of tests:

Warmth: 
In tests for over two hours at temperatures from -4°C to +4°C boots are excellent protection against cold.

Comfort:
1. If correct size, good for walking--front lacing gives best support and rubber siding should be stiff to prevent squashing, twisting, etc.
2. O.K. for flying--rudders, brakes, etc.
3. With felt insole, good without shoe for better "feel" on rudders etc.
4. Removable felt sole good, also addable felt sole to adjust boot to size.

Slip-Grip Test:

Test:
Test for slipping on wet airplane wing, with and without mud in boot sole.
Results:
1. Ridged sole best gripper on wet wing, with mud in sole especially. "w'd" sole tends to cake with mud and slide; ridged sole more able to "clean itself out" and can grip even with mud.
2. Heel with ridged sole inadequate--fills with mud and stones, would not last, slides on wing.

Recommendations:
Recommend #3 boot--front lacing, side zipper--with heavier side zipper with quick release, felt inner sole, ridged outer sole with different type heel, stiffer rubber sidings. 

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