One Size Fits All
This unique system consists of right and left units that are completely independent of each other. Each unit includes a bright orange, reusable welded flotation bladder made of 200-denier nylon and complemented by easy to see reflective tape, a variety of pouch colors, an inflation system, a specially designed pouch closure system, and a firing handle. Sportsmen who require free and unencumbered access to their environment find the AFS-1000 perfectly suited for safe operations. This "One Size Fits All" system provides the lift and stability individuals need to stay afloat and survive for extended periods in the water. The system is designed to provide a minimum of 32lbs of positive buoyancy in seawater making it ideal for supporting dive operations as well as all surface activities. The system is also ideal for providing safety to the parachutist when performing operations over or near water.
Each AFS-1000 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 and an oral inflation tube for secondary inflation.
The AFS-1000 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 AFS-1000 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 outside of 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 AFS-1000 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 AFS-1000 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.
