But if Cruise ever decides to make a sequel, his combat gear could be very different. Humans are the most fragile and unreliable part of any modern day fighter aircraft. Our bodies simply aren't able to withstand the amazing gravitational forces exerted by aircraft as they accelerate through the sound barrier several times over. The dangers posed by these G-forces were first noted by Nazi engineers who found Stukka pilots sometimes blacked out as they dived towards their targets. The effect of gravity prevents blood reaching the brain.
Pilots feel dizzy, lose their vision and then their consciousness.
While these suits are undeniably effective, they are also painful to use. Pilots develop scars on their arms and legs where the bladders have literally popped their blood vessels. Modern fighters also pump pressurised oxygen directly into the lungs. Forgetting to breathe at mach three can be bad for your long term health. Scientists who studied dragonflies found that they were able to perform 30-G turns with relative impunity.