TM 5-1940-321-13&P
2-3. INFLATION OF AIR CHAMBERS. This paragraph describes using the foot pump for manual
inflation. Automatic inflation is addressed in Chapter 4.
a. Inflate Main Buoyancy Tubes.
CAUTION
Do not operate the F530 IAB in an under-inflated condition. Under-inflation
will result in failure of the transom and thrustboard attachment and
reduced performance. Correct inflation pressure for the main buoyancy
tube 240 to 280 mb (3.5 to 4.1 psi).
( 1 ) Locate the foot pump and hose.
( 2 ) Locate the air pressure gauge (in the repair kit); and after removing the valve
cap, insert it firmly into the valve insert on one intercommunicating valve.
( 3 ) Insert the large end of the foot pump hose into the port on the foot pump
(marked INFLATION) and the smaller end, after removing the valve cap, into
the intercommunicating valve on the opposite side of the craft from the gauge.
This allows the pressure gauge to be easily read during inflation.
( 4 ) Operate the foot pump smoothly. Stop pumping when the needle on the air
pressure gauge indicates a pressure of at least 240 mb, but does not exceed
280 mb (3.5 to 4.1 psi).
( 5 ) Remove the pressure gauge and hose from the valves and immediately turn
the indicating arrow on the two valves downward into the green colored area,
marked NAVIGATION. The indicating arrow must point exactly to the 6 o clock
position. Screw the metal valve caps onto both valves and tighten firmly by
hand.
( 6 ) Position the other two intercommunicating valves in the 6 o clock position
(marked NAVIGATION) and hand tighten the metal valves caps. The air
chambers are now closed off from each other, and the main and lower
buoyancy tubes are inflated to the correct pressure level.
2-5
