such as the C-9, C-12, and C-44. These aircraft carry life rafts that vary in capacity from 7 to 25 persons.

Three basic designs of life rafts used in naval aircraft are shown in figures 5-20, 5-21, and 5-22.

LR-1 LIFE RAFT ASSEMBLY. - The LR-1 assembly (fig. 5-20) consists of a one-man life raft and an inflation assembly (CO₂ cylinder with inflation valve). The life raft has a single flotation tube with a noninflatable floor. It is 6 feet long when fully deployed. It is blue and features a weather shield, a sea anchor, a sea anchor pocket, and ballast bags with a retaining line and pocket.

The weather shield is sea blue on the outside and fluorescent red on the inside. It is sewn to coated cloth tape, which is cemented around the periphery of the life raft. When the securing straps (which are manufactured from hook-and-pile tape) are properly positioned, the hooks interweave with the pile to hold the weather shield in a stowed condition.

The sea anchor is attached to one end of the lanyard and is stowed in a pocket outboard of the flotation tube. The other end of the lanyard is attached to a ring located at the bow end of the raft.

Inflation Procedures. - There are two inflation systems for the LR-1 life raft. The CO₂ , a mechanical system, inflates the raft within 30 seconds and is normally used during parachute descent. If the mechanical system fails, the oral inflation system is used to inflate the raft. The oral inflation system consists of a length of rubber tubing; an oral inflation valve with a rubber mouthpiece; and a knurled, locking collar. The oral inflation valve may be used in topping or relieving pressure from the flotation tube; this may become necessary because of temperature changes from daytime to nighttime. The raft should not be inflated drum tight, as it will ride more comfortably in choppy seas if the pressure is slackened.

Righting Procedures. - The LR-1 life raft is equipped with boarding handles to assist the survivor in boarding the life raft. You can easily right the LR-1 life raft by grasping the boarding handles on the flotation tube and turning it over.

Figure 5-20. - LR-1 life raft assembly parts nomenclature.