a number of ways to stay afloat. Figure 5-1 shows
the personal equipment worn by the VA, VF, or
VS aircrewman. The primary flotation device
shown is the LPU life preserver; however, a closer
look reveals that the aircrewman is also wearing
an anti-g suit. This g suit is an excellent flotation
device itself. When the aircrewman orally inflates
the g suit, it provides additional emergency
flotation.
NOTE: In the event the g suit becomes the
only flotation device, it should be removed from
—-- —
the legs and worn as water wings. If left on the
legs and inflated, it could cause the aviator to
become inverted in the water (head down).
Life Preservers
Many different types of life preservers are
used by naval aviation personnel. The Mk-1 is
used by maintenance personnel working aboard
ship. The LPU-30/P is used as a substitute for
the LPP life preserver aboard carrier-onboard-
delivery (COD) and vertical-onboard-delivery
(VOD) aircraft. The LPP life preservers are worn
by passengers flying in naval aircraft. The
L P A - 2 B a n d t h e L P U - 2 1 B / P a r e w o r n by
aircrewmen flying in nonelection-seat-equipped
aircraft. The LPU-23A/P and the LPU-24A/P
are worn by aircrewmen flying in ejection-seat-
equipped aircraft. These two life preservers are
equipped with automatic inflation systems in
addition to the manual actuation systems. The
FLU-8A/P automatic inflation feature will be
explained later in this chapter.
Each of the life preservers we will discuss is
equipped with CO2 cylinders that will inflate the
preserver once it is actuated. Manual activation
of the CO2 cylinders on life preservers requires
only a simple pull on the beaded handle or
toggle shown in figure 5-2. Life preservers inflate
Figure 5-2.—LPA inflation.
5-3
