Surface Flotation Device for Cold-Water Aviation Survivors Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Topic No.: N121-009 Topic Title: Surface Flotation Device for Cold-Water Aviation Survivors Proposal No.: N121-009-1098 Firm: Switlik Parachute Co., Inc. 1325 East State Street Trenton, New Jersey 08609 Contact: Stanley Switlik Phone: (609) 587-3300 Web Site: www.switlik.com Abstract: We propose to evaluate concepts for a body-mounted single-place inflatable life preserver/liferaft combination, one that eliminates the need for the aviator to carry two separate devices, thereby saving considerable weight, bulk and complexity. This hybrid device can act alone as an inflatable life preserver for the wearer, provding necessary flotation buoyancy. The underarm style inflatable provides optimal flotation attitude and further allows for easy conversion from life preserver to liferaft as needed. This conversion is effected by simply zipping two floor halves together between the legs of the wearer, then subsequently orally inflating a canopy arch tube and then unfurling the raft canopy and easily securing it closed. Benefits: The device proposed might also be integrated directly in or on to an anti-exposure suit, or alternatively mounted to any number of accessory "carriers". Such a device would have use not only for the Navy Aviators intended, but potentially to any military or commercial aviation user flying over water missions. It would also lend itself to a variety of marine user applications (e.g. commercial fishing deck crew, etc.) Return