BOARDING THE RAFT

The best method for boarding the multiplace life raft is to use the boarding stirrup located on the stem of the LRU-12/A, -13/A, and -14 series. This stirrup will allow the aircrewman to board the raft from the stern; boarding from the stern will lessen the possibility y of capsizing the raft (fig. 6-8).

If the raft should capsize, it is best to approach it from the side on which the CO2 cylinder is installed. The survivor reaches across the raft and grasps the righting handle farthest from the cylinder. Then, by sliding back into the water and pulling on the righting handle at the same time, the raft will turn right side up. By using this method, there will be no chance of the CO2 cylinder hitting the survivor when he rights the raft (fig. 6-9).

Another important point to remember in righting the raft is to note the wind and take advantage of it. It is very hard to right a raft against the wind.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN BOARDING RAFTS

Extreme care should be taken when boarding rafts or assisting personnel into the raft from the water. This is particularly so if these persons are wearing parachute harness or life vests. Once in

Figure 6-8.-Boarding the LR-1 raft.

the raft, all personnel should seat themselves on the floor and remain in that position if at all possible. Movement within the raft should be restricted as much as possible to keep friction at a minimum. All sharp objects should be collected and stored, especially jeweled rings, wristwatches, etc.

Figure 6-9.-Righting a capsized raft.

All loose articles of equipment should be properly packaged to protect the raft fabric.

ONE-MAN LIFE RAFTS

One-man life rafts are used with various soft and hard types of survival kits. They are intended for use by aircrew members forced down at sea. They can also be used when forced down over land for fording rivers and streams, or as a shelter.

LRU-7/P LIFE RAFT ASSEMBLY

The LRU-7/P consists of a simplified oneman life raft, a static line release mechanism, and a special container with tabs for attachment to the parachute and seat pan. Although simplified in its construction, the LRU-7/P is comparable to the standard Navy one-man life raft except it contains no survival items (fig. 6-10). The

Figure 6-10.-LRU-7/P life raft assembly, parts nomenclature. 6-19

LRU-7/P is used with a modified SP-1A seat pan and NS-3 and NES-21A parachutes.