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.
5-14
