The USAF tasked MERC with leading the redesign of a life raft to be deployed in the unlikely event of an over water emergency. The LRU-36A life raft is a critical piece of survival equipment that features a multi-pole assembly, boarding aids, and a comprehensive survival kit (including signal flares, sea anchors, and first aid). Design specifications for the life raft were as follows: large enough to hold 20 95th percentile men; light enough so that it could be righted by a 5th percentile female in case it was overturned; met all FAA safety specifications; inflated within 30 seconds; and fit within containers specific to five different types of USAF aircraft. We have completed the water testing phase of the project (see video) as well as testing to ensure the raft fits into the different aircraft.
The fit test at Tinker AFB went so smoothly that MERC received the following commendation from the USAF program manager: “I cannot let a moment pass by to brag on my team. This team has faced many challenges and gracefully faced each and every one head on. I’m extremely happy with the team’s progression thus far and cannot wait to see the fielded effort!”
Additional fit tests were conducted successfully at Dobbins, Tinker, MacDill, and Offutt AFBs.