The Encapsulating Life Raft System,
Abstract
The encapsulating life raft system has been developed as an emergency flotation platform for the purpose of substantially increasing water survivability for downed aircrewmen of ejection seat type aircraft. Actuation of this life raft system during parachute descent results in the aviator becoming rapidly and completely enclosed within the raft system, prior to water impact. Water immersion of the aviator is effectively prevented thereby greatly eliminating the survival hazards associated with parachute entanglement, raft boarding, and physiological degradation caused by cold water exposure. With the demonstrated ability of this system to prevent water immersion of the man, this life raft has been made as essential component in the development of a passive, fully integrated survival system that expectantly will eliminate the need for cumbersome cold weather anti-exposure garments. Verification of both the life raft's feasibility and reliability has been proven in an extensive test program. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0787637
Entities
People
- Craig S. Jencks
Organizations
- Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster