Here is a pic taken of Wing Commander John Downing in December 1970 showing the same late type Velcro pocket closure SRU-21/P Survival vest and LPU combination. He is wearing a CWU-27/P flight suit.

 

Note the top opening zip on the later type SRU-21/P radio pocket.

 

Here is another 1970 dated photograph of Flight Lieutenant Robert Carver (MIA).

He is seen wearing an early type Press Snap pocket closure SRU-21/P, LPU and CWU-27/P flight suit.

 

The RAAF modification adding the triangular parachute type buckle to the chest strap of the LPU can clearly be seen.

 

Just took it off the mannequin.

 

Here's a couple of pics of the LPU-2/P.

It is Oct 1965 dated as are both bladders.

 

What the difference exactly between the LPU-2/P and the LPU-10/P ?

 

I know the RAAF modified their LPUs during Vietnam to have a heavy duty parachute type triangular buckle sewn on the chest strap. Note sure why though.

 

 

Well, obviously not much. I will have to do some research as that is exactly what a LPU-10 looks like. Must be something different with the bladders. I have worn LPU-10s for almost 15 years. I guess I am going to have to dig the big manual in the sky out.

Here's a couple of pics of the LPU-2/P.

It is Oct 1965 dated as are both bladders.

 

What the difference exactly between the LPU-2/P and the LPU-10/P ?

 

The answer as I understand it is that the LPU-2 used a plastic coated canvas carrier. Then they went to a nylon carrier and re-dubbed them LPU-10's. As is always with anything military, here is the anomoly. The only thing I can think of, baring some kind of tom foolery, is that you either have a vest that the old tags were used up until exhausted, thus a transtion piece as that is the time that these were converted over. Or, some industrious Air Force ALSE guy built it by ordering parts, but only had old tags. I do not know otherwise.

Mr-X,

 

Just came across this post looking for other information. Here is a scan of the 1970 edition of the -10 TM. This particular copy was printed in 1981 but the TM is the 1970 edition with the 1971 change added. The military tended to do this-reprint original manuals over and over as needed to keep supplies on hand. The only change would be to the print contract info usually found on the signature page.

pages 8-11

pages 12-15

pages 16-19

pages 20-23

pages 24-27

Mike:

 

Thanks very much for posting the Army version of the TM. Great stuff.

 

Regards,

Charlie

Mike, I want to echo what Charlie said. Thanks mate :thumbsup:

New here to this forum and raising this post from the dead. I collect primarily US Army Aviation ALSE regarding the OV-1 Mohawk as a specific realm of equipment but also collect other Army and Air Force gear.

 

In regards to the LPU-2/P vs the LPU-10/P, the harness/containers and bladders etc are identical, the only difference between the 2 models is the inflator assembly used. The LPU-2's used a non-venting inflator known as the MA-1 and the LPU-10 uses a self-venting type knows as the FLU-1A/P. The FLU-1A/P vents trapped air out of the bladders whereas the MA-1 does not. The MA-1 however has a lanyard from the pull knob to a breather clip on the oral inflation tube that keeps the breather valve open. When the LPU-2 is deployed this removes the breather clip and closed the breather valve on the inflation tube.

 

All this information comes from Army FM 1-302 Aviation Life Support Equipment (ALSE) For Army Aircrews dated 30 April 1984.

 

Also stated in the above manual about the LPU-2/P is that when it becomes unserviceable, FLU-1 inflators and new cells are ordered and the 2/P becomes a 10/P. So really the only way to tell is a LPU-2/P is really a 2/P or has been converted to a 10/P is opening it up and checking the inflator assembly. Nothing cosmetic to differentiate the two LPU's. Its quite possible if you have a early dated 2/P it may have been converted to a 10/P over the years so the spec label doesn't really mean much either. I just purchased a April 1967 dated LPU-2/P, at least what may be still a 2. Now that I dug out this manual I need to actually check the inflators. If anyone is interested I can scan the page from FM 1-302 showing the 2 types of inflators. Let me know.

Hi guys,

 

Also new here.

 

I have a few questions concerning the LPU-10/P.

 

Once the LPU floats have been deployed, can they be repacked and new Co2 cannisters installed?

Does anyone have the user manual for the LPU-10/P

How long do the floats stay inflated?

Where can replacement Co2 cannisters be purchased? Are they strictly military or are there civilian cannister available?

 

- Saafpuma

Yes, they are required to be inflated periodically as part of their inspection. There is an Army TM 5-4220-202-14/USAF TO 14S-1-102 that covers them as far as use and maintenance goes but I don't know if there is a separate "-10" for operating them specifically. Some of the Survival manuals will also describe their wear & use.

 

There is a 6 hour test period to see if the cells are holding pressure. How long they would stay inflated I guess depends on the conditions but I would think indefinitely. They are only supposed to remain inflated at about 2psi.

 

I would expect you can find replacement CO2 cartridges. They are 28gr. I haven't looked for any before but I'm pretty sure you could find them.

Thanks for that Mike.

 

At least now I know that if I ever have to inflate my LPU-10 I'll be able to get replacement Co2 canisters.

 

Now to find the TM 5-4220-202-14/TO 14S-1-102

Hi guys,

 

Well, I searched the net yesterday and I can't find the TM 5-4220-202-14/TO 14S-1-102 manual, does anyone happen to have a copy of it soemwhere they could scan?

 

Also, concerning Co2 catridges, I actyually can't find 28 grams, the most common are 12 gram adn 16 gram. I have been able to find the odd 25gram and of course 33 gram. Does anyone know what would happen if a 25 gram or 33 gram cartridge would be used on the LPU-10/P?