The lower firing lanyard is attached to the connector link next to the suspension lines. Two suspension lines and a loop from the parachute hem are attached to each slug. A cover plate holds the two lines and loop in the channels of each slug. OPERATION When actuated, the parachute canopy deploys by either an internal pilot chute or by the external pilot chute.    Just prior to full canopy and suspension line deployment, the firing lanyard pulls the firing pin from the firing mechanism. This releases the striker, which strikes the cartridge primer. As the cartridge fires, the 14 slugs are propelled outward. They simultaneously drag the attached suspension lines outward in a 360-degree spread. This firing sequence occurs prior to any tension being placed on the suspension lines. Spreading is stopped when tension starts to build up in the suspension lines; so, at high speed it produces a 4-foot diameter mouth, and at low speed, it produces an 8-foot diameter mouth. In the event of a cartridge malfunction, a “fail-safe” backup subsystem operates. After the firing pin is withdrawn, the firing lanyard exerts 25 to 38 pounds of tension on the fail-safe assembly sleeve, which retracts the shear band assembly. This releases the slugs and allows the canopy to inflate aerodynamically. IDENTIFICATION AND HANDLING An identification tag is attached to the spreader gun and contains the following data: nomenclature, manufacturer’s part number, revision status, serial number, date of manu- facture, and name and address of the manufacturer. A warning label is sewn on each side of the sleeve protecting the firing lanyard and to the outer pack assembly. This label reads as follows: WARNING THIS PARACHUTE CONTAINS A CARTRIDGE ACTUATED DEVICE. FOR HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS SEE PARACHUTE PACKING MANUAL. There is a tag attached to the safety pin that reads: “REMOVE PIN BEFORE PACKING.” Assemblies shipped without a cartridge must have a shipping plug installed. Service Life Refer to NAVAIR 11-100-1-1 for the shelf/ installed life of the spreading gun cartridge. The service life expiration date (month and year) is marked with indelible ink on the side of each cartridge. NOTE: If the date the sealed con- tainer was opened is not available, the INSTALLED LIFE is computed from the date of manufacture as determined from the lot number. Log Entries You should enter on the Parachute History and Record Card the date of primary installation of the spreader gun to the parachute canopy, the lot number, expiration date, part number, CAD DODIC, and date of manufacture or overhaul of the cartridge. Safety Precautions Treat the spreader strument. The spreader as class C ammunition gun as a delicate in- gun cartridge is treated in accordance with the general safety precautions given in the cartridge manual (NAVAIR 11-100-1.1). WARNING YOU MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT THE BALLISTIC SPREADING GUN IS LETHAL WHEN ACTIVATED WITHOUT A CANOPY ATTACHED. DO NOT REMOVE THE SAFETY PIN UNTIL THE PROPER TIME AS PRESCRIBED IN THE PACKING MANUAL. DO NOT REMOVE LANYARD RE- TAINING PIN WHEN REPLACING UPPER RETAINING CORD. NOTE: Be sure that the cartridge service life will not expire prior to the next service check. Be sure the cartridge expiration date is entered in the Parachute History and Re- cord Card. 2-11