239.406B
Figure 5-17.—Flotation collar installed on forest penetrator.
The flotation collar is made of bright orange
foam rubber for high visibility and weighs about
1 1/2 pounds. (See figure 5-17.) It is 2 1/4 inches
long, with a 7 3/4-inch diameter at the top and
a 4-inch diameter at the bottom. When the
flotation collar is installed on the forest pene-
trator, the retracted diameter at the penetrator is
9 inches.
The forest penetrator and flotation collar are
intended to assist the rescue swimmer to perform
rescue operations in the water or to rescue
survivors on land.
The flotation collar is a device that, when
fastened around the forest penetrator, allows
flotation of the complete assembly during air-sea
rescue operations.
During land rescue operations, the forest
penetrator is lowered to the survivor with the seats
retracted. For sea operations the forest penetrator
is lowered to the rescue swimmer and survivor
with the flotation collar installed, safety straps
hanging free, and the seats retracted. In this
configuration, the penetrator will float its top
about 6 inches above the surface of the water.
The forest penetrator is designed to
accommodate one, two, or three survivors at the
same time.
Maintenance
The aircrewman’s responsibility for mainte-
nance of the forest penetrator is limited to washing
with fresh water. Repairs or other actions are
performed by organizational-level maintenance or
above.
Inspection
All forest penetrators receive a calendar
inspection upon issue and at intervals not to
exceed 225 days. The calendar inspection consists
of visually inspecting both the forest penetrator
and flotation collar.
When inspecting the condition of the forest
penetrator and flotation collar, examine the
following:
1. All fabrics for cuts, tears, deterioration,
and abrasion.
2. Seams for proper stitching.
3. Straps for security of attachment and wear.
4. Any other parts for wear, damage, and
security of attachment.
5. All hardware for security of attachment,
corrosion, damage, wear, and, if applicable, ease
of operation.
6. The cover for strains, dirt, and general
condition.
7. The slide fastener for damage, corrosion,
and ease of operation.
8. Compare markings on the forest penetrator
and flotation collar to markings listed on the
applicable tables in NAVAIR 13-1-6.5. Restore
any faded markings, and correct markings, if
necessary, with indelible ink.
Cleaning
The forest penetrator and flotation collar must
be cleaned after every immersion in salt water as
follows:
1. Wash the penetrator and collar with a mild
soap and water solution. Rinse well with fresh
water.
2. Wipe the penetrator and collar with clean,
lint-free cloth and allow to dry.
3. If necessary, apply silicone lubricant to
slide fasteners on the cover of the penetrator to
ensure ease of operation.
5-16
