The Tactical Flotation Support System, TFSS-5326, is an inflatable aid to flotation device specifically designed for covert war fighters, combat swimmers, and/or maritime airborne operations personnel. It can also be used with the Helicopter Aircrew Breathing Device (HABD) during egress from a submerged vessel of any type. The TFSS-5326 was designed to provide 45lbs positive buoyancy in seawater at a depth of 33 ft., 57lbs of positive flotation at a depth of 15 ft., and 80lbs of flotation on the surface, allowing today's war fighter a maximum load-out of equipment.
Each TFSS-5326 system consists of one each independent left and right hand units, which can be mounted on a belt. Each unit includes a welded flotation bladder, an inflation system, a pouch closure system, a pouch, and a firing handle. The bladder is a reusable welded fabric enclosure that deploys under the arm and is readily collapsed and stowed for future use. The inflation system utilizes a manually actuated CO2 cartridge for primary inflation (cartridge available separately) and an oral inflation tube for secondary inflation.
The TFSS-5326 pouch uses a unique Grommet, Loop, and Pin (GLP) closure system design that combines positive closure of the pouch with space efficient packing. This method prevents accidental pouch opening and allows for the smallest unit size when fully packed (approx 6.5" x 2.75" x 2.25"). A durable cordura flap to further protect against damage and inadvertent actuation covers the entire closure mechanism.
The TFSS-5326 pouch contains and protects the bladder, inflation system, and closure system. It includes a waist belt loop and clip loops to secure the pouch to the webbing belt. The firing handle attaches to the outsideof the pouch and uses color-coded beads to help distinguish left and right hand units. The handle serves to release the closure system and actuate the CO2 inflation system.
To manually actuate a TFSS-5326 unit, the user pulls upward on the firing handle. This motion initiates two sequential actions. First the pouch closure pins are released, allowing the pouches to open freely. Second the manual inflator lever is actuated, causing the firing pin to puncture the seal on the CO2 cartridges to release the gas and completely fill the bladder. Should the CO2 inflation system fail to operate, the bladder is filled through an oral inflation tube. This is accomplished by depressing the Oralock valve, then breathing into the tube.
Gas is released from the TFSS-5326 bladder by pressing downward on the Oralock valve and forcing the air out the oral inflation tube. Once all of the gas is evacuated from the bladder, the CO2 cartridges are replaced, maintenance is performed, and the units are repacked for future use.
The TFSS-5326 is a one size fits all system that has been designed to accommodate the personal preference of the user for ease of wearing and comfort. It is an unobtrusive system that supports a myriad of missions. Note the practical uses as illustrated below.
NOTE: When using the TFSS-5326 during parachute operations, units should be worn in front of body to avoid interference with the parachute.
OVERVIEW
The system consists of a right and left unit independent of each other. Each unit includes a welded flotation bladder, an inflation system, a pouch closure system, a pouch, and a firing handle. There are two styles, the Covert (C) which comes with a Black bladder, and the Overt (O) which comes with a yellow bladder and reflective tape. The reusable welded flotation bladder is made of 200-denier nylon.
The pouch comes in 5 colors, Black, Camo Green, Universal Camo, Coyote Tan and Gray with black trim.
INFLATION
Inflation system actuated with two Leland 38 gram CO2 filled cartridges P/N 86121Z 2W134 (cartridge available separately) or through an oral inflation tube.
SIZE & DETAIL
Specially designed Grommet, Loop, and Pin (GLP) closure system prevents accidental deployment as well as compacts the pouch to a fully packed size of 6.5" x 2.75" x 2.25". System designed as a "One Size Fits All" system.
BUOYANCY
System designed to provide a minimum of 45 lbs of positive buoyancy in slat water at 33 ft and 80 lbs at the surface. The overt system comes with reflective tape on the yellow colored bladder to aid in recovery at sea operations.
FEATURES
Minimum Buoyancy per Unit: 40 lbs. lift in seawater, at the surface, with air and water temperature of 70 deg F (approximately 22 lbs. lift at 33 ft sea water). Minimum Buoyancy per System: 80 lbs. lift in seawater, at the surface, with air and water temperature of 70 deg F (approximately 45 lbs. lift at 33 ft sea water).
Manual Inflation: Left and right manually operated CO2 systems. Oral Inflation: Left and right oral inflation tubes. CO2 Cylinders: Left and right CO2 gas cylinders. Corrosion Resistance: All parts shall be corrosion resistant in fresh and salt water. Rot Resistance: All fabric, webbing, and binding shall be rot resistant. Approximate Size per Unit: 6.25" H x 2.75" W x 2.25" D. Maximum Weight per Unit: 15 oz. with full CO2 cartridge. Serialization: Each pair shall be assigned unique serial number. Left side unit shall use suffix "L"; right side unit shall use suffix "R". Each unit shall be marked individually. Unique Grommet, Loop, and Pin (GLP) Closure System.
LIFT CAPABILITIES
All test data is in seawater:
50 ft = 35lbs of lift
33 ft = 45 lbs of lift
15 ft = 57 lbs of lift
03 ft = 80 lbs of lift