HARD-8 160th SOAR(A) - Life Support International

Providing
Solutions For Survival
160th SOAR(A) HARD™ Military Liferaft Upgrade
HARD™ Liferafts
160th SOAR(A) LIFERAFT UPGRADE
History
In 1998, With 160th SOAR inputs & recommendations, LSI initiated a program to
upgrade 160th inventory of life rafts, creating a new system designed specifically for
installation and operation on MH-60 & MH-47 helicopters. Designated HARD rafts,
at that time, the most economical upgrade path was to utilize existing inventory of
life rafts (7-man LRU-13 & 20-man LRU-15) and convert them into the HARD
systems, which included inspecting, testing, modifying, vacuum packing rafts, and
rigging & packing into new custom made canisters with Quick-Release harness.
The Primary objective was to extend the shelf life of 160th inventory of rafts, while
increasing the survivability of the crewmembers, as well as adding airdrop rescue
functionality to the rafts. This objective was achieved.
The first contract was initiated in 2001, and over the last 12 years, LSI has
successfully outfitted all 160th battalions with approximately 80 HARD-7’s and 60
HARD-20’s.
HARD = Helicopter Airdrop Rescue Device
HARD™ Liferafts
Transition from HARD-7 to new HARD-8
HARD-7™
7 man Liferaft
HARD-8™
8 man Liferaft
HARD™ Liferafts
160th SOAR(A) LIFERAFT UPGRADE
We are now at another transition point, where 160th is being forced to upgrade
again. Why?
• Storage Location no longer available
• MH-60M upgrade removed H-Bar, eliminating storage location
• Current HARD-7 was designed specifically for installation onto H-Bar
• Current HARD-7 very cumbersome to store in other areas (not designed for
multiple location storage)
• New HARD-8 Canister re-designed for multiple storage locations on any axis
• Age of rafts – existing inventory include rafts some 20+ years age. Also these
rafts are of 1950’s vintage design and have been replaced with new Multi-Place
Life Rafts (MPLR).
• 7-Man, LRU-13 no longer available
• Replaced with New MPLR-8
• 20-Man, LRU-15 no longer available
• Replaced with New MPLR-20
HARD™ Liferafts
160th SOAR(A) LIFERAFT UPGRADE
Revolutionized Multi-Place Life Raft (MPLR)
• Compared to 1950’s designs, the new MPLR rafts deploy far easier, and offer a
host of enhancing features that will contribute significantly to aircrew &
passenger water survival
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5 year Re-pack cycle
Much easier deployment
Improved Inflation System
Decreased Inflation Times
Dual & Improved boarding stations
Self-Erecting Canopy
Insulated Floor
More Space per person
50% overload capacity
2 Water-activated lights
No ozone depleting substances used in Manufacture or Repair
MPLR-8 Raft
LRU-13
7-Man, LRU-13
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MPLR-8 Raft
8-Man, MPLR
A reduced volume packed Raft
5 year re-pack cycle
MIL-PRF-1849F & FAA TSO-C70a
Zero-Leak Inflation System
Self-Erecting Canopy
Boarding Ramps
Rain Water Collection
Reflective Strips
Floor Insulation
50% Overload Capacity
Installed in HARD-8 Case
HARD-8™
HARD-8™ Advantages:
• Designed specifically for 160th helicopter configurations
• Significant increased protection to liferaft
• Reduced Maintenance Frequency (5 years)
• Improved Storage – Multiple Axis
• Easier Handling – 1 person
• Easier to Deploy / Inflate
• Air-Droppable via Static Line
• Replacement Cost Savings
HARD-7™
MH-60 Installation
• The
HARD-7
was
designed
specifically for installation on the
H-Bar above aircrew. Designed to
keep raft out of way of normal
operations, yet still retain Quick
Release capability. This worked
until….
• Due to MH-60M upgrades, the HBar has been removed, rendering
the
HARD-7
case
design
incompatible with any other
storage location.
HARD-7 canister does
NOT fit multiple
locations on helicopter
HARD-8™
MH-60M Installation
• New HARD-8 designed with 160th
inputs, specifically for installation
in ANY location on the aircraft.
Designed to keep raft out of way
of normal operations, yet still
retain Quick Release capability.
• Canister can be stored on any
axis, or side, without damage to
any handle, hinge or release.
• Shown here secured against Fuel
Cell, standing up.
HARD-8™
• Shown here secured against Fuel
Cell, on its side.
• Quick Release Harness allows for
secure installation (rated to 30 G)
• Harness allows for easy access,
with Quick Release Handle
• Quick
Release
improves
survivability in event of crash
HARD-8™
• Shown here secured against Rear
Bulkhead, underneath Crew Bench
seat (not installed)
• Note that the Release Handle
facing out for Quick, easy access,
yet secure installation.
• Aircrew can sit on the raft if
needed.
HARD-8™
HARD-8™ Canister Specifications:
• Dimensions: L 29” x W 9 ½”“ x H 18 ½”
• Weight: 61 lbs. (with survival kit)
• High impact & FR resistant molded Kydex
• Multiple storage locations
• 30G Quick Release Suspension System
• 2 heavy duty spring bail carry handles
• Interior rigid foam set with cutout for raft
• Rigged with 15 ft. Static line for Air-Drop
• Manual Inflation Handle
Quick-Release Suspension Belt
• Clearly marked instructions for ease of use
HARD-8™
The next generation Liferaft system for
160th SOAR(A) overwater missions.