Each waist lobe of the flotation assembly is equipped with an attachment patch used for securing the casing assembly by means of rivets. In addition, the right waist lobe is equipped with one snap hook and the left waist lobe is equipped with one D-ring. The snap hook and the D-ring are used to secure the waist lobes together after inflation. Survival item pouches are fastened to the life preserver D-rings with directional snap fasteners. Each collar lobe of the flotation assembly is equipped with a snap hook for attachment to the survival vest D-rings (parachute risers are routed outside of the collar lobes). In addition, an inspection record patch is also provided on a collar lobe. The casing assembly is constructed of fire- retardant Aramid cloth and protects the flotation assembly. The casing assembly also provides for size adjustment and attachment to the wearer. The casing assembly consists of the adjustable casing, an adjustable webbing belt, belt keepers and D- rings, and the front connector assembly. The webbing belt, attached to the inside waist portion of the casing assembly, provides for waist size adjustment from 30 to 44 inches. The webbing belt keeper loops retain the webbing belt and provide for attachment of the survival vest about the wearer’s waist. In addition, there are six D- rings secured to the webbing belt keeper loops, used for attaching the survival item pouches, a raft retaining line, and other accessories. Hook and pile tapes, attached to the outside waist portion of the casing, are used for slack adjustment. In addition, hook and pile tapes, attached about the circumference of the collar casing and the lower edge of the back portion of the casing, are used to enclose the casing assembly about the flotation lobes. The casing assembly is secured around the wearer’s waist by the front connector assembly, which. consists of two snap hooks and two D-rings backed by webbing pads for comfort. Each inflation assembly is made up of a carbon dioxide cylinder and an inflation valve. The inflation assemblies are connected to valve stems attached to each waist lobe (each valve stem is equipped with a check valve to prevent leakage). As stated earlier, the LPU-21/P series life preserver assembly is authorized for use by all aircrew personnel wearing compatible flight clothing. LPU-21 /P series life preservers that are modified to incorporate the FLU-8/P series automatic inflation device will be used in ejection seat type of aircraft only. LPU-21/P series life preservers modified with the FLU-8A/P inflator will be redesignated the LPU-23A/P life pre- server. The LPU-21/P series is manually inflated by pulling both inflation assembly beaded handles in a natural, slightly down and straight out position from the body. This action removes the retaining pins securing the casing assembly about the waist lobes and actuates the inflation assemblies. The hook and pile tapes securing the casing assembly about the collar lobes will separate as the preserver inflates. NOTE: The casing must be manually opened and the flotation assembly unfolded prior to inflating a preserver through the oral inflation valve. In an emergency situation, the oral inflation valves may be used to top off an inflated preserver, maintain inflation of a leaky preserver, or inflate a chamber if an inflation assembly malfunctions. The oral inflation valves are also used to inflate a preserver with air during an inspection test and to evacuate a preserver in preparation for packing. LPU-23/P SERIES LIFE PRESERVER ASSEMBLY The LPU-23/P series life preserver assemblies contain an automatic inflator that is intended for use by an aircrew member in an ejection seat aircraft ONLY. The LPU-23/P assembly is identical to the LPU-21/P assembly except for the FLU-8A/P automatic inflation device (fig. 6-13). The LPU-23/P series life preserver assembly is inflated either automatically (by immersion in fresh or salt water) or manually (by pulling both inflation assembly beaded handles). NOTE: The primary means of inflation is to manually pull the beaded handles. Automatic inflation occurs when immersion in water triggers the electronic circuit, firing the explosive primer. The high-pressure primer forces the piecing pin forward, releasing the inner end of the packing cord loop and puncturing the 35-gram CO₂ cylinder, which releases the pressurized gas. Automatic inflation is a onetime function of the FLU-8A/P inflator. A new inflator must be installed to replace the previously spent device. Manual inflation occurs when both 6-24