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

Figure ^{6-13.-LPU-23/P} series life preserver assembly, parts _{nomenclature.}

beaded inflation handles are pulled in a natural, slightly down and straight out position from the body. The FLU-8A/P inflator may be operated manually an unlimited number of times without affecting the onetime automatic feature.

LPU-24/P SERIES LIFE PRESERVER ASSEMBLY

The LPU-24/P life preserver assembly is identical to the LPU-23/P life preserver assembly except for the fabrication of the casing assembly. The LPU-24/P has a casing assembly that is constructed from rubber-coated nylon cloth instead of Aramid, fire-resistant fabric like the LPU-21/P and the LPU-23/P series life preservers. The LPU-24/P life preserver is not covered in this chapter.

LPP-1/1A LIFE PRESERVER ASSEMBLY

The LPP-1/1A life preserver assembly is authorized for use by passengers in cargo or transport type of aircraft for sea survival situations.

WARNING

THE LPP-1/1A LIFE PRESERVER IS NOT SUITABLE FOR USE BY SMALL CHILDREN IN NAVAL AIRCRAFT.

The LPP-1 and LPP-1A life preserver assemblies are identical with the exception of the mechanical inflation assembly.

The LPP-1/1A life preserver assembly (fig. 6-14) weighs approximately 3 pounds and provides a minimum of 29 pounds of buoyancy. The LPP-1/1A life preserver assembly consists of a single-compartment yoke-type flotation assembly, a pouch and belt assembly, an inflation assembly, and a storage container. Survival items are also provided. To make up the LPP-1/1A life preserver assembly, all required components not supplied with the preserver must be individually requisitioned.

The flotation assembly is constructed of chloroprene-coated nylon cloth. It is equipped with an oral inflation valve, a valve stem, survivor locator light attachments, a whistle pocket, a belt loop, and an inspection record patch (fig. 6-14).

The pouch and belt assembly consists of a rubber-coated nylon cloth pouch and an adjustable belt. The pouch contains the flotation assembly and survival items. The belt consists of a 53-inch piece of webbing, an adjustable buckle and clasp, a toggle assembly, and a toggle assembly pocket. The belt adjusts from a waist size of 30 to 52 inches and attaches the flotation assembly and pouch to the wearer by means of the belt loop on the flotation assembly and the slots in the back of the pouch. The toggle assembly consists of a wooden toggle and line, and is used to secure survivors together while they are in the water. When not in use, the toggle line is wrapped around the wooden toggle and stowed in a pocket located on the belt (fig. 6-14).

NOTE: The carbon dioxide cylinder is NOT supplied with the preserver assembly and must be requisitioned separately.

The LPP-1 inflation assembly consists of a Type I (MIL-C-25369), 25- to 28-gram carbon dioxide cylinder and an inflation valve. The LPP-1A inflation assembly consists of a Type II (MIL-C-25369), 28- to 31-gram carbon dioxide cylinder and an inflation valve (MIL-I-23145). The inflation assembly is connected to the valve stem on the front of the flotation assembly. The valve stem is equipped with a check valve, which prevents leakage.

The storage container is used to store the life preserver assembly when it is not in use. The storage container also has donning instructions printed on it.

As LPP-1/1A life preservers become available, the use of all other life preservers by personnel authorized to use the LPP-1/1A will be discontinued. Passengers whose total clothing and equipment weight does not exceed 15 pounds and who are not carrying any high density items like weapons or other similar metallic items are authorized to continue use of MK-2 life preserver, with attritional basis method for replacement with LPP-1/1A.