The MA-2 integrated parachute-restraint harness, also known as the integrated torso harness suit, integrates the aircrew member’s parachute harness, lap belt assembly, and shoulder restraint harness. The parachute harness is reeved through the torso suit to retain it in a position to make it easier to put on and take off. The MA-2 was the standard equipment of Swiss AF F-18 pilots at the beginning of Hornet's operations, at the end of the '90.
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The torso harness provides optimum mobility to the aircrew member while restraining him to the seat; it serves as a parachute harness in case of aircraft ejection or bailout.
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It consists of a nylon webbing harness encased in nylon fabric, and is configured into a sleeveless, legless, torso garment.
Shoulder restraint adjustable straps with quick-release (Koch) fittings provide attachment of the parachute riser assembly. A lap belt with quick-release adapters is attached to the lap belt alignment webbing.
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The lap belt assembly provides attachment to the parachute and prevents damage to the abdominal area during parachute deployment.
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An adjustable chest strap provides the necessary chest restraint adjustments.
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A gated (extraction) D-ring is fitted to the right shoulder adjustable strap near the quick-release fitting. In case of ejection, the D-ring is where the rescue helicopter winch is connected.
Made by Nomex® fire-resistant fabric, intended for use by crew of ejection seat-type aircrafts, the LPU-23, as a constant wear item, is not interfering with the torso harness donning and doffing.
The LPU-23 consists of two independent flotation chambers. One chamber consists of the left waist lobe joined by a tube to the right collar lobe. This chamber contains the automatic/manual C02 inflation assembly (FLU-8B/P) and the oral inflation valve attached to the left waist lobe.
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The other chamber consists of the right waist lobe joined by a tube to the left collar lobe. This chamber contains also an automatic/manual C02 inflation assembly (FLU-8B/P) and another oral inflation valve attached to the right waist lobe. The two chambers are sewn together at the collar lobes.
Automatic inflation occurs when immersion in water triggers the electronic circuit firing the explosive primer. The 35-gram C02 cylinder is punctured and releases the pressurized gas.
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Pulling straight out from the body both beaded inflation handles starts the manual inflation. This action removes the locking pins securing the casing assembly about the waist lobes and activates the inflation assemblies. The hook and pile tapes securing the casing assembly about the collar lobes will separate as the preserver inflates.
