the tube. Using black washproof ink, ensure that
each pocket is clearly marked SUPPLY POCKET
in 1/2-inch letters on the LRU-12/A and
LRU-13/A rafts. The lettering should be l-inch
high on the LRU-14 series supply pocket.
In addition to the starboard supply pocket, the
LRU-14 series raft has a port supply pocket. This
pocket is attached to the raft in the same manner
as previously discussed. The lettering height on
the port pocket is 1 inch for the first line and 1/4
inch for all other lines.
COMBINATION SUPPLY
POCKET AND BAILER
Each life raft, except the LRU-15/A, contains
one detachable combination supply pocket and
bailer. The pocket is closed by means of
a slide fastener across the top, which is
sealed with tape after the equipment is packed.
A loop of spring wire is contained in the
seam around the slide fastener so that the pocket
may be fashioned into a bailing container. One
end of a 5-foot length of type III nylon suspension
line is secured to the slide fastener wire stirrup
pull; the other end is attached to the nearest
lifeline patch loop.
The words SUPPLIES AND BAILER are
stenciled in 1/2-inch letters on the pocket. Below
this, stenciled in 1/4-inch letters, are the pocket
contents.
The Supply and Bailer pocket on the STBD
side of LRU-12/A, -13/A, and -14 series has been
deleted from newly procured rafts. New rafts are
not reworked to provide pocket and on older rafts
they need not be removed.
LIFELINE
A lifeline of natural color nylon rope,
1/4-inch diameter, encircles the outboard per-
imeter of the raft. The lifeline is attached to each
lifeline patch loop with an overhand knot tied
on the inner side of each patch loop so as
to prevent the line from running free through
the loops. Four inches of slack is allowed in
the line between the lifeline patch loops. Each
completed lifeline patch can withstand a 250-
pound pull exerted in a direction perpendicular
to the base of the patch.
The lifeline provides a means for secur-
ing the accessory containers to the life raft
by using a 10-foot length of type 111 nylon
cord.
The LRU-15/A life raft also has an inner
lifeline that provides for the safety and survival
of aircrewmen.
RIGHTING HANDLES
Righting handles are provided on all life
rafts except the LRU-15/A. These handles
provide a means of righting a capsized
raft.
TOPPING-OFF
Topping-off
flotation tube,
VALVES
valves are installed on each
inflatable seat, each section
of inflatable floors, and each side of the
floor supports. The required number of top-
ping-off valves and their location on the
rafts may vary depending on the type of raft
concerned.
Topping-off valves are used for manual
inflation purposes in conjunction with the
hand pump. The valve also serves as a
means for relieving high internal tube pres-
sure that may possibly build up during hot, sunny
days.
Two topping-off valves are installed on the
same side of the raft’s main flotation tube—one
on each side of the internal bulkhead—above the
inside horizontal centerline of the tube, 4 inches
from the point of attachment of the vertical
internal bulkhead.
Stenciled instructions relative to topping-off
and deflation of the raft are applied on the
raft flotation tube adjacent to the topping-off
valves. Appearing in 1/4-inch, washproof black
ink letters, the instructions are stenciled on a
white rubber patch as follows:
T O I N F L A T E C O M P A R T M E N TS
MANUALLY: Attach hand pump to
valve cap, unscrew cap 1 1/2 turns to
the right and then pump to inflate.
When desired pressure is attained, re-
tighten valve cap and remove pump.
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