TO DECREASE PRESSURE: Open valve
1 1/2 turns to the right and bleed.
INFLATION SYSTEM
The valve of the CO2 cylinder is threaded into
the coupling nut of the manifold. Since multiplace
life rafts are constructed with internal bulkheads,
the purpose of the manifold is to provide a com-
mon means of directing and diffusing the flow
of carbon dioxide entering the raft’s inflatable
tube chamber. The manifold outlets must bridge
the internal bulkhead over which they are
mounted. Figure 6-1 illustrates the operation of
the raft’s CO2 inflation system manifold.
All of the exposed metal surfaces of the
inflation system that might chafe the raft fabric
while packed must be covered with several layers
of rubber-coated cloth, and secured with cloth-
based, pressure-sensitive tape.
Because of space limitation, this chapter
cannot possibly contain all of the available
information concerning life rafts. The Inflatable
Survival Equipment Manual, NAVAIR 13-1-6.1,
is referenced for more detailed information.
239.338
Figure 6-1.—Multiplace raft CO2 inflation system
manifold operation.
6-8
LRU-12/A LIFE RAFT ASSEMBLY
The LRU-12/A life raft assembly consists
of an inflation assembly (carbon dioxide
cylinder and inflation valve) and a four-man
raft. Two types of carbon dioxide cylinders and
four types of inflation valves are approved for
service use. The life raft is made up of a two-
compartment main tube; an inflatable seat at-
tached to the main tube; a noninf’latable floor
attached to the bottom of the main tube and
inflatable seat; and a sea anchor, which is used
to retard drifting. A lifeline, a righting line, a
supply pocket, and a combination supply pocket
and bailer are attached to the main tube.
Boarding and righting handles are attached to
the main tube and the floor. Emergency survival
equipment and raft accessories, stowed in
accessory containers, are provided for the safety
and survival of the aircrewmen. The lifeline also
provides a means for securing the accessory
containers to the life raft. Topping-off valves are
located on the main tube and inflatable seat. An
LRU-12/A life raft is shown in figure 6-2.
NOTE: To makeup the packaged life raft
assembly complete with accessories and
survival items, all required components not
supplied with the raft assembly must be
individually requisitioned.
The LRU-12/A life raft assembly (droppable)
is inflated by pulling the inflation assembly
actuating handle, located under the carrying
case end flap. The LRU-12/A life raft as-
sembly (raft compartment installation) is auto-
matically inflated and ejected after the raft
compartment door has been released. After
boarding, the inflatable seat should be in-
flated through the topping-off valves with
the hand pump provided in the accessory
container.
The LRU-12/A life raft assembly can either
be dropped to survivors or used by aircrewmen
in the event of an aircraft ditching emergency. The
raft is stowed in a readily accessible area inside
the aircraft fuselage on all applicable aircraft
except the S-2 series.
Prior to packing any life raft, the assembly
must be updated by comparing the configuration
of the assembly with the modifications listed in
the applicable chapter in NAVAIR 13-1-6.1.
