designed to be worn as an outer garment in warm-
temperature zones, and they provide protection
in the event of an aircraft fire. They are designated
for use by all aircrew members.
Configuration
The coveralls are one-piece, unlined garments
that are made of Aramid cloth, which is a high-
temperature resistant, inherently flame-retardant,
synthetic fabric with no hot-melt point or drip
characteristics. This lightweight fabric does not
support combustion, but begins to char at 7000
to 800 F. The fabric has abrasion resistance
similar to nylon, and like nylon, Aramid is
nonabsorbent. Because of this characteristic,
cotton underwear should be worn under the
coverall for optimum comfort. The color of the
CWU-27/P is sage green, and the CWU-73/P is
blue.
The CWU-27/P and CWU-73/P (fig. 4-1)
have a slide fastener (zipper) front closure, side
pass-throughs, biswing back, and hook and pile
fastener size adjustments at the end of each leg.
Also included are two breast patch pockets, one
combination cigarette and multiple pencil
compartment on the upper front left sleeve, and
two thigh pockets. The CWU-73/P has epaulets
to allow attachment of shoulder boards. Except
for the knife pocket on the left thigh and the
multiple pencil compartment pocket on the right
lower leg, all pockets and pass-throughs have
butted, beaded, covered, slide fasteners. If a hook
blade knife (shroud cutter) is carried, it should
be tied to the pocket cord and stowed in the knife
pocket with the hook blade open for emergency
use.
Fitting
The coveralls are fitted to the aircrew member,
and their size normally corresponds to mens
regular suit sizes. The coveralls are used with
standard Navy personal equipment and may be
worn over or under the anti-g garment. The
coverall sleeves should always be worn down and
closed at the wrist to ensure maximum fire
protection.
Maintenance
The aircrew members responsibility for
maintenance of the coverall is limited to cleaning.
The coveralls are inspected for general condition
at intervals not to exceed 90 days. Repairs
performed at the organizational level are restricted
to repairing open seams, small holes or tears,
replacement of hook and pile fastener tape, and
replacement of slide fasteners.
Only high-temperature resistant Aramid cloth
(MIL-C-81280) and high-temperature resistant
nylon thread (MIL-T-83193) should be used for
repairs.
A new coverall should be laundered before use
to soften the fabric and eliminate any possible skin
irritation that might occur due to original fabric
harshness. After tumble drying or during drip
drying, the coverall should be hung on a wooden
hanger. The fabric is a drip-dry type that requires
no special handling, and it may be washed as
frequently as needed. The coverall may be
laundered by the aircrew member at home or in
a commercial-type washer and dryer. Laundering
in water up to 140°F and tumble drying up to
180°F does not damage or shrink the coveralls.
Use of a commercial fabric softener in the
rinse cycle removes body oils during the launder-
ing process. The fabric softeners also stop
static cling. Ironing or pressing is permissible.
However, it is difficult to remove wrinkles or
creases due to the high-temperature resistant
qualities of the material. Coveralls that are heavily
soiled and\or stained with oil or grease may be
cleaned with solvents normally used in commercial
dry cleaning establishments. Dry cleaning or
laundering does not compromise the flame-
retardant properties, and no renewable flame-
retardant treatment is required.
FIRE-RESISTANT FLYERS
GLOVES, GS/FRP-2
The fire-resistant flyers glove (MIL-G-81188)
is designated for use in warm-to-moderate
temperature zones and provides protection in the
event of aircraft fire. They are used by all aircrew
members (fig. 4-2).
Configuration
The gloves are snug fitting and designed to
provide maximum dexterity and sense of touch.
If properly fitted they should not interfere with
the operation of the aircraft and use of survival
equipment. The gloves are available in sizes 5 to
11. Since the fabric is stretchable, the sizes will
accommodate any size hand. The gloves are
constructed of soft cabretta gray leather (palm and
front portion of fingers), and a stretchable, sage
green, lightweight knit Aramid fabric (entire back
4-4