Mustang Survival MD1270 User manual

FOR MODEL NUMBER MD1270
OWNER'S MANUAL
PARACHUTIST
FLOTATION DEVICE
DO NOT REMOVE PRIOR TO SALE

DO NOT REMOVE PRIOR TO SALE
WARNING: THIS DOCUMENT IS FOR THE USE OF LICENSED USERS ONLY.
No part of this document may be reproduced, transmitted, or
transcribed in any form or by any means without the express
permission of Mustang Survival Corp.
While every effort possible has been made to ensure technical
accuracy, information within this document is subject to change
without notice.

1
TABLEOFCONTENTS
ABOUT THE MD1270....................................................................................2
INSPECTING THE PFD .................................................................................3
READINESS CHECKLIST................................................................................. 5
WEARING THE PFD......................................................................................6
INFLATING THE PFD....................................................................................7
MANUAL INFLATION ........................................................................................7
ORAL INFLATION .............................................................................................. 8
DEFLATING THE PFD...................................................................................8
RE-ARMING THE PFD ..................................................................................9
REPACKING THE PFD ................................................................................. 11
GAS REMOVAL FROM THE INFLATION CELLS ..................................11
FOLDING THE INFLATION CELLS ............................................................12
RESETTING AND CLOSING THE ZIPPERS............................................15
TESTING INFLATION AND FLOTATION.................................................. 16
CLEANING AND STORING THE PFD....................................................... 17
ACCESSORIES............................................................................................. 17
WARRANTY INFORMATION..................................................................... 18
CONTACT INFORMATION ......................................................................... 19

2 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ MD1270 – PARACHUTIST FLOTATION DEVICE
ABOUT THE MD1270
This manual provides instructions and guidelines for safely using
the Mustang Survival MD1270 Parachutist Flotation Device (PFD)
consisting of two under-arm inflatable life preservers.
The ultra-lightweight MD1270 provides ready flotation that is both
easy to wear and easy to use:
• Independently operated left and right lobes sit snugly under the
user’s arms, and fit securely across back and shoulders. Highly
adjustable design accommodates a wide range of user heights and
body types.
• Manual activation is achieved through left and right pull loops,
designed to be easily located with gloved hands, and guards
against inadvertent activation.
• Proven Halkey Roberts 840 series inflation system is reliable and
familiar to most users of inflatable PFDs.
• After manual activation, the PFD inflates within five seconds.
• You can top up or reduce your buoyancy using the oral inflator
tubes found on each side of the PFD.
• With tactical gear in mind, we designed the PFD to be worn
independently and out of the way. The MD1270 will not interfere
with body armor or tactical vests.
• Streamlined and lightweight design means that wearing 2.15
pounds in weight provides 85 pounds (42.5 x two sides) in
buoyancy. Most adults need an extra 7 to 12 lbs of flotation to keep
their heads above water.
• Under-arm life preservers are positioned and shaped to create the
in-water, heads-up, tilted back position recommended by survival
professionals.
Test in water to validate performance and usage. Due to variation
in user configurations, full gear in-water testing is strongly
recommended. Performance tests in water with the MD1270 and
a typical body armor vest will validate the PFD’s performance in
providing effective flotation and buoyancy. When worn and used
according to the instructions in this manual, the MD1270 can greatly
increase a user's chance of survival in the water.

3
INSPECTING THE PFD
The MD1270 has under-arm life preservers in right/left pairs.
Figure 1 shows:
1. the main closure buckle of the chest belt
2. the adjustment slides (along shoulders)
3. the webbing pull handles
4. the inspection card storage pocket
5. the strap attachment guides
6. the shoulder webbing straps
7. the chest belt
FIGURE 1
Figure 2 shows the side view of the left cell.
FIGURE 2

4 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ MD1270 – PARACHUTIST FLOTATION DEVICE
Figure 3 shows the left-side cell with the inflator cover open, locating
the
1. Inflator
2. Witness thread
3. Cylinder
4. Webbing pull handle
To become more familiar with the MD1270 and its component parts:
1. Open the zippers completely, unfold the inflation cell, and place
each life preserver on a clean, flat surface with the inflator and
oral tube face up (Figure 4).
2. Check to ensure the ring beneath the oral inflator tube
mouthpiece is turned counterclockwise and the mouthpiece is
locked to prevent inadvertent deflation (Figure 5).
3. Check to ensure the white witness thread is present on the
inflator actuating arm (Figure 3).
4. Unthread and inspect the end of the CO2cylinder to confirm a
full, unused, cylinder has been installed (Figure 6).
5. Repack the PFD – see Repacking the PFD (page 11).
FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5
FIGURE 3
LOCKED UNLOCKED
LOCKED UNLOCKED
LOCKED UNLOCKED

5
READINESS CHECKLIST
MUSTANG SURVIVAL RECOMMENDS THAT EACH USER TESTS THE MD1270 IN WATER TO
BECOME FAMILIAR WITH HOW IT WORKS.
When all boxes are checked, the PFD is ready for use:
£ CO2cylinder is full.
£ Inflator actuation arm retracted and held in place with tied
witness thread.
£ Fabric, straps, and hardware are free from defects.
£ The webbing manual inflation handle is attached inside the
pouch cover and secured
£ No rips, tears, or holes, and all seams are securely sewn.
£ All zippers and Velcro™ closures are securely fastened.
IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT THE READINESS OF THE MD1270, CONTACT
YOUR MUSTANG SURVIVAL DEALER.
FIGURE 6
PIERCED OK

6 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ MD1270 – PARACHUTIST FLOTATION DEVICE
WEARING THE PFD
NOTE:
EACH MD1270 PROVIDES A TOTAL OF 85 LBS OF FLOTATION (42.5 LBS PER SIDE).
To avoid injury to the user or damage to the PFD, the PFD should
always be worn outside clothing – never under clothing or under
anything else that might restrict the expanding cells during inflation.
To ensure the PFD is fully effective don the MD1270 and adjust all
belts, straps, and attachments for a secure, comfortable fit (Figure 7).
Improper fit or attachment impedes effectiveness. Numbers are printed
on the shoulder straps to help you maintain a consistent fit (Figure 8).
Each of the cells of the under-arm life preservers is specifically
designed to be worn on the left or right side of the body. The PFD
must be worn with the side-release buckle facing forward on the
user’s sternum.
FIGURE 7
1
2
3
FIGURE 8

7
FIGURE 9
INFLATING THE PFD
WARNING: WHEN INFLATING THE MD1270 PFD IN AIR TEMPERATURES BELOW
FREEZING, THE CO2EXITING THE CYLINDER MAY FREEZE AT THE OPENING AND NOT
EVACUATE COMPLETELY TO PROVIDE FULL BUOYANCY. TO COMPENSATE, BLOW AIR
INTO THE ORAL INFLATOR TUBE TO TOP UP.
MANUAL INFLATION
To manually activate inflation, jerk firmly forward or downward on
both left and right webbing loops, pulling the loops away from the
outer covers. The PFD will inflate within five seconds.
After inflating both sides of the MD1270, secure them to each other
with the Velcro™ attachment straps on the forward edge of each
inflation cell.

8 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ MD1270 – PARACHUTIST FLOTATION DEVICE
ORAL INFLATION
Although a properly armed side will correctly inflate manually, oral
top-up inflation may be required during prolonged immersion, in a
non-emergency situation or to increase the buoyancy as desired.
Note that the CO2escapes slowly through the film over time, and
you might notice a slight reduction in pressure several hours after
inflation. To orally inflate the PFD:
1. If necessary, open the main compartment zippers completely,
and unfold the inflation cell.
2. Locate the oral inflator tube and turn the locking ring clockwise
to unlock the mouthpiece (Figure 5).
3. Press (and hold) the mouthpiece down, and blow into the tube
until the bladder is fully inflated.
4. Release the mouthpiece and turn the locking ring
counterclockwise to close the inflator valve and lock the
mouthpiece in place.
DEFLATING THE PFD
1. Locate the oral inflator tube and turn the locking ring clockwise
to unlock the mouthpiece (Figure 5).
2. Press and hold the mouthpiece down.
3. Gently squeeze the inflation cell until fully deflated, ensuring all
air or CO2is removed.
4. Release the mouthpiece and turn the locking ring
counterclockwise to close the inflator valve and lock the
mouthpiece in place.
5. Complete repacking of the PFD – see Repacking the PFD
(page 11).

9
RE-ARMING THE PFD
THE MD1270 PFD MUST BE DEFLATED ON BOTH SIDES BEFORE BEING RE-ARMED.
To Re-arm the MD1270 PFD you will need a Mustang Survival
Re-arm kit MA1274, and witness thread (NSN 8310-00-262-3324
or equivalent).
1. Open the zippers completely, wipe off any water, and place the
left and right life preservers on a smooth, flat surface.
2. Starting with the left-side cell, raise the inflator cover flap to
expose the inflator and cylinder assembly (Figure 10).
3. Unscrew the empty CO2cylinder and dispose of it (Figure 10).
FIGURE 10

10 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ MD1270 – PARACHUTIST FLOTATION DEVICE
4. Pull the handle through the opening in the protective flap, and
put the inflator arm back in the rest position (Figure 11) and tie
it off with the witness thread. Trim the thread with a minimum ¼
inch tail remaining on each end (Figure 12).
FIGURE 11
FIGURE 12
5. Screw in a new, full CO2cylinder.
FIGURE 13

11
6. Secure the webbed pull handle on the Velcro™ patch (Figure
13) and guide the webbed handle through the hole in the fabric
inflation cover (Figure 14).
FIGURE 14
7. Replace the fabric inflation cover and secure with Velcro™
closure.
8. Repeat steps 1 to 7 for right cell.
REPACKING THE PFD
AFTER EACH FIELD-USE INFLATION, THE MD1270 MUST BE RE-ARMED, LEAK TESTED,
AND FULLY DEFLATED BEFORE REPACKING.
GAS REMOVAL FROM THE INFLATION CELLS
WARNING: FOR THE SMALLEST PACKED VOLUME, ALL GAS MUST BE EVACUATED
FROM THE LEFT AND RIGHT BLADDERS PRIOR TO PACKING THE PFD.
1. You will need a vacuum source capable of achieving at least
5 in-Hg and a vacuum fitting to connect it to the oral inflator
(a 3 HP shop vacuum will provide more than 5 in-Hg of vacuum).
A 3 HP SHOP VACUUM WILL PROVIDE MORE THAN 5 IN-HG OF VACUUM.
2. Place each bladder on a flat surface with the inflator and oral
tube facing up.
FIGURE 15

12 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ MD1270 – PARACHUTIST FLOTATION DEVICE
3. Locate the oral tube and turn the locking ring clockwise to open
the inflator valve and unlock the mouthpiece.
4. Attach a vacuum fitting to the oral inflator.
5. Turn on the vacuum source.
6. Pinch the black flange at the base of the oral inflation tube. This
will help prevent the bladder fabric from sealing off the vacuum.
7. Depress the mouthpiece to evacuate the entrapped gas from the
inflation cell.
8. Remove the vacuum fitting from the oral inflation tube.
9. Turn the locking ring counterclockwise to close the inflator valve
and lock the mouthpiece in position.
FOLDING THE INFLATION CELLS
1. Place each inflation cell on a clean, flat surface with the inflator,
cylinder and oral tube facing down (i.e. away from you).
FIGURE 16
2. Starting with the left cell, fold the top flaps down.
FIGURE 17
1
A
B
2
Reset & Pull close
each zipper slider
A

13
3. Fold the back side (A) of the cell forward, using the edge of
pouch as a guide.
FIGURE 18
4. Zig-zag fold the back section (A), using the other edge of the
pouch to determine the width of the zig-zags. Fold the front
side (B) of the cell backward, over the zig-zag folds of the back
of the cell.
FIGURE 19
5. Zig-zag fold the front section (B) overtop of the back section
(A), and then fold the bottom half up over the top half.
FIGURE 20
1
A
B
2
Reset & Pull close
each zipper slider
A
1
A
B
2
Reset & Pull close
each zipper slider
A
1
A
B
2
Reset & Pull close
each zipper slider
A

14 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ MD1270 – PARACHUTIST FLOTATION DEVICE
6. Fold the resulting bottom half of the cell up again.
FIGURE 21
FIGURE 22
FIGURE 23
7. Tuck the cell into the pouch.
8. Engage the Velcro™ loop strap.
1
A
B
2
Reset & Pull close
each zipper slider
A

15
RESETTING AND CLOSING THE ZIPPERS
MUSTANG SURVIVAL USES ADVANCED SECUREZIPTM 2-STEP ZIPPERS.
CAUTION: WHEN PERFORMING THIS PROCEDURE, ENSURE THE INFLATION CELL IS
CLEAR OF (DOES NOT GET CAUGHT IN) EITHER ZIPPER.
To reset and close the zippers:
1. Reset the zippers by pulling each zipper toward the zipper stop
on the center of the zipper.
FIGURE 24
2. Close the zippers by pulling each zipper pull away from the
stop to the zipper tape ends at the bottom of each case.
FIGURE 25

16 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ MD1270 – PARACHUTIST FLOTATION DEVICE
TESTING INFLATION AND FLOTATION
IF IN DOUBT ABOUT SELF-INSPECTION AND SERVICING OF THE MD1270 PFD IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS, OR OF ANY TEST OR INSPECTION
RESULTS, CONTACT A MUSTANG SURVIVAL DEALER FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICING.
Inflate the PFD and test it in water to make sure it works and to see
how it floats the user.
A FULLY ARMED MD1270 PFD AND MA1274 RE-ARM KIT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TEST.
1. While wearing the MD1270 – see Wearing the PFD (page 6),
manually inflate by jerking firmly forward or downward on the
webbing loops of both left and right sides.
2. Enter water of an appropriate depth to keep the head above the
surface without the need for swimming.
3. Ensure the MD1270 floats you slightly back of vertical in a relaxed
position with your mouth well above the surface of the water, and
experiment with different leg positions to become familiar with
changes in buoyancy and/or flotation characteristics.
4. Exit the water, remove the PFD, and completely deflate each cell –
see Deflating the PFD (page 8).
5. Let the PFD dry thoroughly, then re-arm and repack each cell – see
Re-arming the PFD (page 9) and Repacking the PFD (page 11).
3. Feed the zipper pulls into the openings on the zipper case,
ensuring zipper case fabric fully covers the zipper slider and pull.
FIGURE 26
4. If zippers are correctly reset, the inflation cell will not be visible
from the outside of the product.
Repeat the re-arm and repack procedure for the right-side cell.

17
ACCESSORIES
MA1271 Harness assembly for MD1270 compact inflatable side
pouches (parachuter PFD)
MA1272LH Bladder (left) for MD1270 compact inflatable side
pouches (parachuter PFD)
MA1272RH Bladder (right) for MD1270 compact inflatable side
pouches (parachuter PFD)
MA1273 Inflator handle for MD1270 compact inflatable side
pouches (parachuter PFD)
MA1274 Pair of 38g cylinders for MD1270 compact inflatable
side pouches (parachuter PFD)
CLEANING AND STORING THE PFD.
DO NOT DRY CLEAN THE MD1270.
1. Hand wash or sponge down the PFD in warm, fresh water
and mild soap.
2. Rinse the PFD and inflator with clean fresh water.
3. Hang the PFD to dry.
4. Store the PFD in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight.
5. Do not use abrasive tools or cleaners on the PFD.

18 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ MD1270 – PARACHUTIST FLOTATION DEVICE
WARRANTY INFORMATION
LIMITED WARRANTY: Mustang Survival products are warranted to
be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of
one year from the date of purchase by the initial purchaser (the
Customer End user) under normal and intended conditions and use.
Proof of purchase may be required at the discretion of Mustang
Survival. Products, which, in the sole judgment of Mustang Survival,
have received excessive or abusive use or have been altered in any
way by a dealer, the Customer or any other person, will not be
covered by this limited warranty. Mustang Survival requires return
of the product (postage or delivery costs prepaid by Customer) for
inspection before determining whether the product will be covered
under limited warranty. A return authorization is required before
the goods are returned and should be obtained by contacting our
Customer Service Department. Once a product is returned, Customer
Service, Quality Assurance and Sales Departments inspect the
product as required. It is then determined whether the product will
be covered under this limited warranty. If the product is deemed to
be covered under our warranty policy, it will either be repaired or
replaced at the sole discretion of Mustang Survival at no charge to the
Customer. The only obligation or liability of Mustang Survival under
this limited warranty is to repair or replace the product and Mustang
Survival shall not, under any circumstances, be liable for loss of use
or any consequential damages sustained by the Customer. All other
warranties expressed or implied, and remedies with respect to the
condition or use of the product, which might otherwise be provided
by law in any jurisdiction, are specifically excluded.