7a. ABAV AFLCMC ABAV Not Safe-to-Fly.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

HEADQUARTERS AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE OHIO

MEMORANDUM FOR SEE DISTRIBUTION

FROM: Human Systems Program Office (AFLCMC/WNU) 1981 Monahan Way, Building 12, Area B Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7217

SUBJECT: Aircrew Ballistic Armor Vest (ABAV) Memorandum

References: (a) ABAV Review StF Board 13 Jan 22

(b) MAJCOM ABAV iStF 2nd Extension Memo Final -- Signed

(c) ABAV Kits - Component Breakdown

(d) AF 1067 PM Tech Eval for RW ABAV

(e) AF1067 ABAV for RW_CV22 Ops Pt IV

(d) AF 1067 ABAV for AFSOC Fixed Wing units

(e) ABAV Review Dec 2022

1. Item Nomenclature: Aircrew Ballistic Armor Vest (ABAV).

2. Item Description: NSN/Size list, below.

Note: Optional and replacement system items may be added/removed per training and mission requirements.

Details will be tracked and documented to ensure proper sustainment.

National Stock Number Common Name

8465-01-682-3335 BAV, ABAV, KIT, SWMR, OCP,

RH, S

8465-01-673-1326 BAV, ABAV, KIT, SWMR, OCP,

RH, M

8465-01-673-1323 BAV, ABAV, KIT, SWMR, OCP,

RH, L

8465-01-673-1334 BAV, ABAV, KIT, SWMR, OCP,

RH, XL

8465-01-673-1344 BAV, ABA V, KIT, SWMR, OCP,

LH, S

8465-01-673-1353 BAV, ABAV, KIT, SWMR, OCP,

LH, M

8465-01-673-1357 BAV, ABAV, KIT, SWMR, OCP,

LH, L

8465-01-673-1359 BAV, ABA V, KIT, SWMR, OCP,

LH, XL

3. Human Systems advises that the listed item is not StF and its use exposes aircrew to risks detailed below.

4. If use of the ABAV is allowed through local and/or command waivers, the following actions should be in place to mitigate, as far as practicable, the risks using ABAV:

a. Risk #1 - Some vest material (EVA foams, exposed Velcro) burns, smokes, drips, and drips may continue to burn when the ABAV system is exposed to intense heat and/or a flash flame event.

i. Aircrew employ layered fire retardant (FR) material ((A2CU/FDU) to defend against dripping/burning associated with a flash flame/heat event.

ii. Remove unused/unneeded Velcro strips.

iii. Straps containing EVA form can possible be covered in an extra layer/sleeve of OCP FR material.

iv. Verify above is covered in LL series or other training.

b. Risk #2 - The ABAV Vest does not properly accommodate the CIACS legacy 6”x 8” side SAPI plates.

i. This risk was identified in the early days of use. The correct plates have been identified and are in use. (Verify and delete as a resolved issue)

c. Risk #3 - Vest is not properly configured with balanced weight distribution.

i. Training on the proper configuration of vest provides a balanced weight distribution for aircrew, minimizing stress to lower back and improving posture. (Verify training item in local LL series training).

d. Risk #4 - During a water incident, the ABAV/LPU may not self-right, auto-inflate, or may be difficult to orally inflate the LPU.

i. SV-90 Water Survival Training, SV-84 Underwater Egress Training, T-9 Water survival raft. (Verify all aircrew receive this training).

ii. Use Buoyant Armor Plates for maritime missions. (Verify availability, use and ballistic suitability of Navy buoyant plates)

iii. Vest has quick-disconnect buckles to quickly remove vest w/o removing LPU. (Verify quick-disconnect works without removing the LPU and that recurring training is given to each member.

e. Risk #5 - ABAV Vest Rescue device is incompatible with standard rescue operations hoist equipment.

i. Use HBU-27/p rescue device equipped-ABAV vests. (Verify use of HBU-27/p device instead of standard device delivered with the ABAV from the vendor. Then delete risk as this is a resolved issue.)

f. Risk #6 - ABAV Vest belt hardware has quality/hardware issues.

Buckles and associated straps may be installed incorrectly for intended use.

i. Initial system inspections to remove and or realign buckles and straps. (Verify initial inspection (checklist?) and report memos of discrepancies found and feedback to vendor).

g. Risk #7 - ABAV vest plate pocket release mechanism may fail to jettison plates in an emergency or water event.

i. Use the four-point disconnect on ABAV to ditch vest IAW SV- 84 training. (Verify recurring training)

ii. Utilize neutral or positively buoyant plates per the iStF memo.

(Verify use of buoyant plates for maritime missions.)

iii. Exercise jettisoning plates for each system. (Verify each ABAV vest pocket is exercised enough to allow the plate to jettison properly.)

b. It is incumbent upon the local Aircrew Flight Equipment Officer to evaluate all new issued AFE clothing for mission effectiveness in assigned aircraft, update operational and training procedures, and ensure using aircrew are appropriately trained, IAW AFI 11-301, paragraphs 2.9.16 and

2.11. Basic familiarization and hazards of items will be briefed during the appropriate “LL” course, e.g., LL01 Aircrew Flight Equipment Familiarization and/or LL02/LL03 Emergency Egress.

5. The Human Systems Point of Contact for this memorandum is Don Fleury at DSN: 256-5603, Commercial: (508) 233-5603, or email address:

donald.f.fleury.civ@mail.mil.

1st Ind, AFLCMC/WNU

I Concur.

ANDREW KLEIN, NH-IV, DAF

Chief Engineer Human Systems Division AFPEO Agile Combat Support

2nd Ind, AFLCMC/WNU

I Approve.

DAVID MCCAIN, NH-IV, DAF

Senior Material Leader Chief, Human Systems Division AFPEO Agile Combat Support

Attachment:

ABAV Kits - Component Breakdown.

DISTRIBUTION:

HQ ACC A3TO

HQ AFSOC A3TL

HQ AFGSC A33A

HQ AFLCMC/WI