LR-1 LIFE RAFT ASSEMBLY

The LR-1 life raft assembly consists of an inflation assembly (carbon dioxide cylinder and inflation valve) and a one-man life raft; three types of carbon dioxide cylinders and three types of inflation valves are approved for service use.

The raft consists of a single-compartment flotation tube with a noninflatable floor. It is blue (when initially procured) and features a weathershield, sea anchor, sea anchor pocket, and a retaining line pocket. The weathershield is a dull sea-blue color on the outside and a bright red on the inside. In addition, a directive compliance patch and an inspection record patch are included for record keeping. The various applications of the LR-1 life raft are contained in NAVAIR 13-1-6.1.

Emergency survival equipment (when used) is secured to the raft by either a securing line or a drop line, as applicable. The packaged configuration of an LR-1 life raft assembly, including survival items, varies according to application.

To makeup a packaged assembly, the required components must be individually requisitioned, unless otherwise specified.

The LR-1 life raft assembly is inflated either manually by pulling the inflation assembly actuating lanyard, or automatically on the LR-1 (RSSK) by gravity drop on the kit actuation. The inflation assembly inflates the flotation tube. After boarding the raft, you can top off the LR-1 by using the oral inflation valve.

This section describes the components of the LR-1, the survival equipment, and the procedures for performing inspections and maintenance. We will not repeat procedures that parallel those already outlined for multiplace rafts.

Flotation Tube

The body of the raft consists of an encircling tube, which is one continuous chamber. There are no internal bulkheads as in the multiplace rafts. Various attachments to the flotation tube are shown in figure 6-11.

Oral Inflation Tube

The valve on the oral inflation tube closes automatically by spring pressure when it is not held open. The valve is locked shut by turning the

Figure 6-11.-LR-1 life raft assembly.

mouthpiece in a clockwise direction. The 3/8-inch oral inflation tube is cemented to the valve at one end, and at the other end, it has a molded flange that is cemented to the flotation tube.

Boarding Handles

Five handles are provided as aids for boarding the raft.

Ballast Bags

Ballast bags, installed at two locations, are required to increase the raft stability, to prevent the raft from becoming airborne during helicopter pickup, and to aid in boarding the raft.

Weathershield

The weathershield is used to protect the survivor from adverse weather.

Sea Anchor

The sea anchor is used to keep the inflated raft from drifting. The sea anchor is tied to the raft mooring line with type III nylon line, using a bowline knot; the other end is tied to the sea anchor mooring patch with a bowline knot. The bitter ends of both knots are seared and completed with an overhand knot to prevent them from untying. Before tying the knots, the ends of the nylon line are heat fused to prevent fraying.

Sea Anchor Pocket

The purpose of the sea anchor pocket is to prevent survivors from getting tangled up in the sea anchor line while boarding the raft. Downed aircrewmen should remove the sea anchor from the pocket and cast the anchor adrift immediately after boarding the raft.

Securing Line

The securing line is 5 feet of nylon cord. It secures the raft to the raft container, to prevent loss of the survival items.

The nylon cord is inserted through the webbing loop on the sea anchor mooring patch and secured with a bowline knot, followed by an overhand knot. The free end is secured to the raft container during the raft packing.

Retaining Line

A nylon webbing retaining line 1 inch wide and 6 1/2 feet long is used to secure the raft to the user. One end of the retaining line is equipped with a snap hook. The other end is secured to the C O2 cylinder neck by passing the end of the retaining line with the loop formed in it around the coupling nut between the raft and the inflation assembly. The end of the line containing the snap hook is then passed through the loop and pulled up tight.

Survival Items

The LR-1 packaged assemblies requiring survival items are equipped with the items listed in table 6-6. These items are packed in either the

Table 6-6.-LR-1 Life Raft Survival Items

combination carrying case and equipment container or in the equipment container, as applicable. The remaining space in the container may be used for any specialized equipment for specific environmental or geographic conditions, as directed by the area commander.

You should refer to NAVAIR 13-1-6.1 for information concerning which type of packaged LR-1 life raft assembly is used aboard certain types of aircraft.

Inspection

During the life raft inspection phase and prior to starting any packing procedures, the life raft must be updated and modifications incorporated if required. Compare the life raft assembly configuration with the applicable raft modifications listed in NAVAIR 13-1-6.1.

All life raft assemblies get a calendar inspection upon issue and at intervals that coincide with the aircraft inspection cycle. However, the interval between calendar inspections must not exceed 231 days.

The procedure for inspecting and testing the life raft is generally the same as those given earlier in this chapter for the multiplace life raft. Additionally, you should read NAVAIR 13-1-6.1. Where there are considerable differences in raft construction, certain steps may be eliminated or added as necessary. For example, life rafts are not constructed with internal bulkheads. Since there is only one continuous flotation tube, the internal bulkhead test is not necessary on the life raft. The life raft is fitted with an oral inflation tube, but it serves the same purpose as the multiplace raft topping-off valves. Therefore, the same general considerations given the topping-off valve should be applied to the oral inflation tube. For instance, although the exposed end of the oral inflation tube has no rough edges, it is kept in a supporting pocket.