CURRENT CONFIGURATIONS OF PRESSURE SUIT AND PARACHUTE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP75B00285R000400080001-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 113
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 9, 2002
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: January 19, 1962
• Content Type: MEMO

STATI NTL
STATI NTL
STATI NTL
STATI NTL
STADNTL
To
Approved For Release 2003/04/17 : CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
Date : January 19, 1962
Subject : Current Configurations of Pressure Suit and Parachute
The results of the meeting on January 16 thru 18 with regard to changes in
the pressure suit and parachute are as follows:
Regarding the pressure suit
STATINTL
1. A difference was noted between the wrist rings on suit
as compared tc
The flange type of connections on
wrist rings may be causing a slight amount of trouble
when reaching for the seat ejection ring. We would like to see this
flat in the same manner as on
suit. Further, this total ring
STATI NTL
assembly should be made smaller if at all possible.
Z. The neck ring on the newer helmets is 1/2 inch bigger in diameter.
This is a very critical area because of interference with parachute
harness and shoulder harness straps at this point. We would like to
see this neck ring go back to its original diameter such as on
suit and helmet.
STATI NTL
3. The helmet cable hold-down fitting is presently plastered on the out-
side of the neck ring. This again adds another 1/4 of an inch to the
overall neck ring width just where it is important to be narrow, It
appears that this fitting can be made to bolt on the bottom of the ring
and thus have no extension beyond the basic diameter of the ring itself.
4. On
suit the neck ring does not match the lower side of
On file USAF release
instructiorApsoffe For Release 2003/04/17 : CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
STATI NTL
Now'
Approved For Release 2003/04/17 : CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
-2- January 19, 1962
the helmet ring when he has his head in a normal attitude prior to
locking in place. As a result there is some constant strain on the
neck when the helmet is locked up. This fit should be watched when
the suit is made.
5. Helmet pressure taps stick out too far and are in a vulnerable posi-
tion. Propose screwing tap in only when in use. Seal threaded holes
with screws for flight.
With regard to the parachute pack and harness,the following configurations
were established.
1. The connection for the drogue harness must be moved back and out-
board so that the drogue fitting always clears the helmet. It has been
established that it is to be located on an added outside harness webbing
1-5/8" forward of the top backpan webbing.
2. The current basic configuration of the parachute pack, oxygen pan, and
the timer case are to remain unchanged. The pack is to have an over-
all maximum thickness of 6-3/8". We can permit no deviation to a
thicker pack. Also see item 14. k kt.)'c;C /4" A-1""144411
"
3. Rocket-Jet disconnects are to be used in place of the Capewells.
4. The protector flap on the drogue pack is to be reversed thus making
the folded end up. ?
C Is\ C-H" k Pi
e
Approved For Release 2003/04/17 : CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
STAT1NTL
Noy'
Approved For Release 2003/04/17: CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
-3- January 19, 1962
5. The covering on the oxygen and timer pans is to be made or elimi-
nated so that there is no lost space due to fabric or connection prob-
lems. Probably the best way to do this is to eliminate the cloth
covering entirely over the center of the pans but to fasten it along
the edge so that it can carry tension when the pack is pulled up tight.
6. The hooks on the elastic bands are to be directly connected to the
metal pans. Holes in the pans are probably sufficient.
7. The drogue riser configuration is to be such that the apex occurs at
the base of the drogue chute itself. The fitting at that point must be
strengthened to take the drogue chute loads, probably by means of the
tube over the bolt. There are to be two spreaders sewed between the
drogue risers to prevent excessive slippage.
8. The T-10 risers are also to have a spreader between them in order
to back up an inadvertent Rocket-Jet release.
9. As a result of these changes, a new harness is required that will per-
mit higher loads to go down the pack webbing. This also means that
a non-slip type of adjustment buckle is required on the side adjustment
webbing.
10. The release and webbing are to be designed for 6000 lb. limit load as
applied by the drogue chute. These loads are to be checked at El Centro
on the new harness.
Approved For Release 2003/04/17: CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
STATINTL
Nor'
Neiv
Approved For Release 2003/04/17 : CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
-4- January 19, 1962
11. With regard to the drogue chute release -
a. The inner links are to be machined away per the enclosed drawing.
b. The center roller is to have conical ends.
c. The release pin is to have a thick shoulder so that the side roller
is always positioned to alleviate a hang up.
d. All working parts are to be lubricated with solid film lube such
as Lubri-Plate or Electrofilm.
e. A stop pin is to be incorporated on the inboard link such that there
is always at least 30 of over center action available in the linkage.
f. The small radius is to be incorporated in the solid guide tube for
the flexible cable.
g. At conclusion of these tests a more reliable release will be designed
and incorporated at a future date.
12. The seat kit is to stay exactly as it is with no changes except for the
addition of the solid parachute block at the rear end. The drawing of
this block is included with this letter.
13. A flap is to be incorporated on tFe bottom of the parachute pack which
may be clipped to the seat pack to prevent the possible jamming of
parachute risers between the seat pack and the man.
14t
The maximum permissable pull for an automatic actuation of the timers
is about 10 lbs. A set of current production timers will be sent to
Firewel on January 19 for Mockup purposes and to make the detail
changes required to stay below this maximum force of 10 lbs.
Approved For Release 2003/04/17 : CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
3TATINTL
Nore'
Approved For Release 2003/04/17 : CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
-5- January 19, 1962
15. Flap approx. 6" long is to be sewn to the lower edge of the left wing
flap. This is to snap back on the wing flap to enclose the vent hose
and communications cord.
16. The tab for securing the emergency oxygen cable housing is to be
moved aft 3/4".
17. The inertia reel shoulder harness buckles must be positioned behind
the neck ring to eliminate the possibility of hang up on seat separation.
As a result of the above requirements, the test and parachute schedules
will be as follows:
1.
The seven current parachute harnesses now at El Centro will be modi -
Lied to locate the drogue release in the correct position. The dummy
drops are then to continue using these modified packs at El Centro on
January
22.
STATI NTL
Z.
s to make up two new harnesses and packs to the strength re-
quired to accept the relocated drogue chute loads. One of these packs
is to be available for cockpit checkout on February 2. They will then
be used at El Centro for drop tower strength tests. STATINTL
3. The production timers are still being held up at
pend-
ing the completion of drop tests to varify that the present altitude settings
are correct.
Approved For Release 2003/04/17 : CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
STATI NTL
STATI NTL
Now
Approved For Release 2003/04/17 : CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
-6- January 19, 1962
4. Production timers are now undergoing qualification tests at Wright
Field. An end target date is February 12.
felt that this meeting was necessary and very productive. The primary
issue is the positioning of the drogue chute releases on the harness to elimi-
nate any possibility of helmet interference of ejection. This was resolved
to everyone's satisfaction.
EFM/kb
cc:
Sincerely.
Approved For Release 2003/04/17 : CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
STATI NTL
FATINTL To
Noe
STATI NTL
STATI NTL
STATI NTL
STA:ticINTL
Approved For Release 2003/04/17 : CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
Date : January 19, 1962
Subject : Current Configurations of Pressure Suit and Parachute
The results of the meeting on January 16 thru 18 with regard to changes in
the pressure suit and parachute are as follows:
Regarding the pressure suit STATINTL
1. A difference was noted between the wrist rings on suit
as compared to
The flange type of connections on
wrist rings may be causing a slight amount of trouble
when reaching for the seat ejection ring. We would like to see this
flat in the same manner as on
suit. Further, this total ring
STATI NTL
assembly should be made smaller if at all possible.
2. The neck ring on the newer helmets is 1/2 inch bigger in diameter.
This is a very critical area because of interference with parachute
STATI NTL
harness and shoulder harness straps at this point. We would like to
see this neck ring go back to its original diameter such as on
suit and helmet.
3. The helmet cable hold-down fitting is presently plastered on the out-
side of the neck ring. This again adds another 1/4 of an inch to the
overall neck ring width just where it is important to be narrow. It
appears that this fitting can be made to bolt on the bottom of the ring
and thus have no extension beyond the basic diameter of the ring itself.
4. On
suit the neck ring does not match the lower side of
Approved For Release 2003/04/17 : CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
STATI NTL
Approved For Release 2003/04/17 : CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
-2- January 19, 1962
the helmet ring when he has his head in a normal attitude prior to
locking in place. As a result there is some constant strain on the
neck when the helmet is locked up. This fit should be watched when
the suit is made.
5. Helmet pressure taps stick out too far and are in a vulnerable posi-
tion. Propose screwing tap in only when in use. Seal threaded holes
with screws for flight.
With regard to the parachute pack and harness,the following configurations
were established.
1. The connection for the drogue harness must be moved back and out-
board so that the drogue fitting always clears the helmet. It has been
established that it is to be located on an added outside harness webbing
1-5/8" forward of the top backpan webbing.
2. The current basic configuration of the parachute pack, oxygen pan, and
the timer case are to remain unchanged. The pack is to have an over-
all maximum thickness of 6-3/8". We can permit no deviation to a
thicker pack. Also see item 14.
3. Rocket-Jet disconnects are to be used in place of the Capewells.
4. The protector flap on the drogue pack is to be reversed thus making
the folded end up.
Approved For Release 2003/04/17 : CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
3TATINTL
Approved For Release 2003/04/17 : CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
-3- January 19, 1962
5. The covering on the oxygen and timer pans is to be made or elimi-
nated so that there is no lost space due to fabric or connection prob-
lems. Probably the best way to do this is to eliminate the cloth
covering entirely over the center of the pans but to fasten it along
the edge so that it can carry tension when the pack is pulled up tight
6. The hooks on the elastic bands are to be directly connected to the
metal pans. Holes in the pans are probably sufficient.
7. The drogue riser configuration is to be such that the apex occurs at
the base of the drogue chute itself. The fitting at that point must be
strengthened to take the drogue chute loads, probably by means of the
tube over the bolt. There are to be two spreaders sewed between the
drogue risers to prevent excessive slippage.
8. The T-10 risers are also to have a spreader between them in order
to back up an inadvertent Rocket-Jet release.
9. As a result of these changes, a new harness is required that will per-
mit higher loads to go down the pack webbing. This also means that
a non-slip type of adjustment buckle is required on the side adjustment
webbing.
10. The release and webbing are to be designed for 6000 lb. limit load as
applied by the drogue chute. These loads are to be checked at El Centro
on the new harness.
Approved For Release 2003/04/17 : CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
STATI NTL
STATI NTL
'try
Approved For Release 2003/04/17 : CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
-6- January 19, 1962
4. Production timers are now undergoing qualification tests at Wright
Field. An end target date is February 12.
I felt that this meeting was necessary and very productive. The primary
issue is the positioning of the drogue chute releases on the harness to elimi-
nate any possibility of helmet interference of ejection. This was resolved
to everyone's satisfaction.
EFM/kb
cc:
Sincerely,
Approved For Release 2003/04/17 : CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
STATI NTL
STAT
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Approved For Release 2003/04/17 : CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
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Approved For Release 2003/04/17 : CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
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Approved For Release 2003/04/17 : CIA-RDP75600285R000400080001-9
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