Mustang Survival RATIS MD1500 User manual

FOR MODEL NUMBERS MD1500 / MD1501 / MD1502
OWNER'S MANUAL
RATISTM INFLATABLE LPU
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 Inc.
While every eort possible has been made to ensure technical accuracy,
information within this document is subject to change without notice.

TABLEOFCONTENTS
RATIS™ LPU INTRODUCTION.....................................................................2
OVERVIEW ..........................................................................................................2
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS .........................................................................3
READINESS CHECKLIST..................................................................................4
PRODUCT OVERVIEW .....................................................................................5
INTEGRATION WITH ARMOR CARRIER ...................................................6
RATIS™ LPU PLACEMENT ON ARMOR CARRIER....................................6
STANDARD ARMOR CARRIER FRONT ATTACHMENT...........................7
GIRTH HITCH ARMOR CARRIER FRONT ATTACHMENT .......................9
STANDARD ARMOR CARRIER BACK ATTACHMENT ............................12
CONFIRM FIT .....................................................................................................13
REMOVAL FROM THE ARMOR CARRIER..................................................15
INTEGRATION WITH STAND ALONE ‘BRO’ CHEST HARNESS............ 16
STANDARD ‘BRO’ ATTACHMENT................................................................ 16
REMOVAL FROM HARNESS......................................................................... 19
INFLATION AND DEFLATION.................................................................. 20
INFLATION........................................................................................................ 20
HAMMAR ELECTRONIC INFLATOR
(INCLUDED WITH MD1500 AND SOLD SEPARATELY).....................................20
HAMMAR AUTOMATIC INFLATOR
(INCLUDED WITH MD1501 AND SOLD SEPARATELY) ......................................20
HAMMAR AUTOMATIC INFLATOR CONVERSION TO MANUAL
(WITH MA7219 CONVERSION CAP)........................................................................ 21
HAMMAR MANUAL INFLATOR
(INCLUDED WITH MD1502 AND SOLD SEPARATELY) ..................................... 22
ORAL INFLATION ......................................................................................................... 23
DEFLATION ............................................................................................23

PACKING .....................................................................................................24
RE-ARMING THE RATIS™ INFLATABLE LPU........................................... 31
RE-ARM KITS .....................................................................................................31
RE-ARMING THE HAMMAR ELECTRONIC INFLATOR
(WITH MA1510)..................................................................................................31
RE-ARMING THE HAMMAR AUTOMATIC INFLATOR (WITH MA1511)
OR HAMMAR MANUAL INFLATOR (WITH MA1512) .............................36
CARE AND MAINTENANCE..................................................................... 40
LEAK TESTING ................................................................................................40
GENERAL TESTS AND INSPECTIONS...................................................... 40
TESTING THE INFLATORS AND RATIS™ LPU PERFORMANCE......... 41
CLEANING AND STORAGE........................................................................... 41
ACCESSORIES AND RELATED PRODUCTS ........................................... 42

RATIS™LPU INTRODUCTION
OVERVIEW
This manual provides instructions and guidelines for safely using and
maintaining the Mustang Survival Ratis™ Inflatable Life Preserver Unit
(LPU). The Ratis™ LPU is a lightweight tactical LPU for military and
law enforcement and is designed to easily attach to an armor carrier
with MOLLE (carrier not included). It can also be worn with a stand-
alone ‘Bro’ harness (included), designed for users with a chest size of
36-52".
The Ratis™ LPU is low profile, does not impede user function, and
minimizes interference with accessories mounted to the chest. It uses
an ultra-lightweight, unsupported film as the inflatable gas chamber
and weighs approximately one pound. When inflated, it provides
over 40 lbs of buoyancy at the water surface and will turn most
unconscious users face-up to reduce the risk of drowning.
This manual is applicable to the MD1500 (Ratis™ LPU with electronic
inflator), MD1501 (Ratis™ LPU with automatic inflator), and MD1502
(Ratis™ LPU with manual inflator). These inflators are discussed in
further detail in the manual.
2 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ OWNER'S MANUAL – RATIS™INFLATABLE LPU

3
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
• It is recommended each user complete in-water testing with full
load-out to validate that the Ratis™ LPU is safe to use. In-water
performance will vary based on user size, carrier, attachment
method, and kit.
• The Ratis™ LPU should not be constrained so as to prevent the
bladder from expanding normally. It should not be inflated in a
small space. Do not wear clothing or equipment over the Ratis™
LPU. If strapping (including a sling) is placed over the Ratis™, it may
impede inflation. The Ratis™ LPU may be compatible with a sling or
other interfering equipment but requires in-water validation.
• When using the Ratis™ LPU in temperatures below freezing, fully
discharging the CO2cylinder may not provide adequate inflation;
use the oral inflator to top-up the LPU.
• For optimal flotation, the Ratis™ LPU must be secured tightly to the
armor carrier. The attachment method should be validated with in-
water testing prior to use.
• After each inflation, the Ratis™ LPU must be rearmed, leak tested,
and fully deflated before repacking.
• When repacking, take care not to damage the bladder film when
fastening zippers or inserting the cylinder.
• If the Ratis™ LPU has been orally inflated, subsequent automatic
inflation could over-pressurize and damage it.
• To avoid accidental inflation, do not allow water to contact the
hydrostatic inflator.
• Always check the inflator status to ensure inflator is armed, ready
for use, and is not past its expiry date.
• The automatic inflator (provided with the MD1501) must be
immersed under four inches of water, for up to 5 seconds, to trigger
automatic inflation. Due to the inflator position, if an unconscious
user falls face-down into the water and is not submerged the unit
will not automatically inflate.

4 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ OWNER'S MANUAL – RATIS™INFLATABLE LPU
READINESS CHECKLIST
NOTE: PERFORM BEFORE EACH USE
No visible holes, tears, or excessive wear.
Ensure minimal residual air remains inside the bladder. If residual
air is inside the unit, the MD1501 may not inflate.
Manual pull handle is fastened.
The inflator status has been checked.
The inflator access zipper is closed.
Top Velcro tab is fastened to prevent breakout zippers from
accidentally disengaging.
Zipper ends are tucked in at the bottom of the lobes.
Buckles are fastened, including sternum strap.

5
BRO HARNESS GIRTH HITCH
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
USER’S
RIGHT
FRONT ATTACHMENT
MOLLE STRAP
STERNUM
STRAP
USER’S
LEFT
BACK ATTACHMENT
MOLLE STRAP
CYLINDER POUCH
VELCRO FLAP
PULL HANDLE
PULL HANDLE BUTTONHOLE
PULL HANDLE VELCRO
USER’S
RIGHT
FRONT ATTACHMENT
MOLLE STRAP
STERNUM
STRAP
USER’S
LEFT
BACK ATTACHMENT
MOLLE STRAP
CYLINDER POUCH
VELCRO FLAP
PULL HANDLE
PULL HANDLE BUTTONHOLE
PULL HANDLE VELCRO
BLADDER
TOP
ORAL TUBE
BLADDER
BOTTOM
BLADDER
TOP
ORAL TUBE
BLADDER
BOTTOM

6 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ OWNER'S MANUAL – RATIS™INFLATABLE LPU
INTEGRATION WITH ARMOR CARRIER
WARNING: SUITABLE ANCHOR POINTS MUST BE USED, AS OUTLINED BELOW.
FOR OPTIMAL FLOTATION, THE RATIS™ LPU MUST BE SECURED TIGHTLY AGAINST
THE VEST. ENSURE RATIS™ LPU IS PROPERLY PACKED AND INFLATOR IS ARMED AND
READY PRIOR TO ATTACHMENT.
RATIS™ LPU PLACEMENT ON ARMOR CARRIER
1. Place the armor carrier and the Ratis™ LPU on a flat surface (the
armor carrier may be placed on the body to help determine
appropriate placement).
2. Place the Ratis™ LPU on top of the armor carrier. The two lobes are
placed on the front of the carrier.

7
STANDARD ARMOR CARRIER FRONT ATTACHMENT
NOTE: TO ATTACH THE RATIS™ LPU USING THE GIRTH HITCHES PROVIDED, SKIP TO
THE “GIRTH HITCH ARMOR CARRIER FRONT ATTACHMENT” SECTION.
1. Loop one of the male buckle straps of the front lobe through a
MOLLE slot on the front of the carrier.
TIP: DEPENDING ON THE MOLLE, THE WEBBING TAIL MAY BE INSERTED THROUGH THE
MOLLE FIRST, AND THE MALE SIDE OF THE BUCKLE PULLED THROUGH AS INDICATED
BELOW. THIS MAY BE EASIER THAN RE-THREADING THE BUCKLE.
NOTE: THE MOLLE ATTACHMENT POINT AFFECTS PERFORMANCE. ATTACHING TO
THE TOP ROW OF FRONT MOLLE ON MOST ARMOR CARRIERS WILL PROVIDE MOST
USERS SELF-RIGHTING, BUT LOWERING THE ATTACHMENT POINT WILL IMPROVE
SELF-RIGHTING AND TORSO ANGLE. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT ATTACHMENT
CONFIGURATIONS ARE PERFORMANCE TESTED IN-WATER BEFORE FIELD USE.
2. Pull the male buckle all the way through the MOLLE slot.
3. Clip the male buckle to the female buckle under the inflatable lobe.

8 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ OWNER'S MANUAL – RATIS™INFLATABLE LPU
4. Feed the buckle webbing through the same MOLLE slot.
5. Pull the strap tight so the inflatable is securely attached in place.
The tighter this connection, the better the performance. Any slack
in this connection allows the inflatable chamber to separate from
the body/armor carrier in the inflated condition.
6. Repeat steps 1 – 5 for the other front lobe.
7. IMPORTANT! Close the sternum strap in front of the inflatable. This
holds the bladder lobes together in the inflated condition. If it is not
fastened, self-righting performance will be negatively aected.

9
GIRTH HITCH ARMOR CARRIER FRONT ATTACHMENT
2. Feed webbing tail through webbing loop.
3. Cinch tight.
NOTE: THE SELF-RIGHTING AND FLOTATION PERFORMANCE OF THE RATIS™ LPU IS
REDUCED WHEN USING THE GIRTH HITCHES AS THEY WILL NOT FASTEN THE RATIS™
LPU AS TIGHTLY TO THE ARMOR CARRIER AS THE WEBBING SEWN TO THE RATIS™
LPU ITSELF. IF USING GIRTH HITCH ATTACHMENTS, CONDUCT IN-WATER TESTING TO
VALIDATE PERFORMANCE.
1. Feed girth hitch through attachment location. Webbing loop to be
at top.

10 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ OWNER'S MANUAL – RATIS™INFLATABLE LPU
4. Remove male buckle from webbing strap attached to the Ratis™
LPU body.
5. Feed the male buckle onto the girth hitch webbing as shown.
6. Route webbing tail through attachment.

11
7. Complete Step 1 – Step 6 for second girth hitch
8. Clip to unit. Confirm webbing will not loosen. Stow excess webbing
tails as necessary.
9. IMPORTANT! Close the sternum strap in front of the inflatable. This
holds the bladder lobes together in the inflated condition. If it is not
fastened, self-righting performance will be negatively aected.

12 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ OWNER'S MANUAL – RATIS™INFLATABLE LPU
STANDARD ARMOR CARRIER BACK ATTACHMENT
1. Loop one of the buckle straps through the back of the armor carrier
MOLLE.
2. Pull the male buckle all the way through the MOLLE slot.
TIP: DEPENDING ON THE MOLLE, THE WEBBING TAIL MAY BE INSERTED THROUGH
THE MOLLE FIRST, AND THE MALE SIDE OF THE BUCKLE PULLED THROUGH (IT IS
EASIER TO FEED THE MALE BUCKLE THROUGH THE MOLLE STARTING WITH THE END
WITHOUT CLIPS). THIS MAY BE EASIER THAN RETHREADING THE BUCKLE.
3. Clip the male buckle to the female buckle on the back.
4. Pull the strap tight so the inflatable is securely attached in place.

13
5. Repeat steps 1 - 4 for the other back buckle.
CONFIRM FIT
1. Inspect and confirm that all Ratis™ LPU straps are tightly attached
to the armor carrier. The collar of the Ratis™ LPU should be close to
the neckline of the user for optimal performance. Stow all straps if
necessary.
2. Check fit. The Ratis™ LPU should be snug against the armor carrier
with webbing straps tightened. The seam joining the lobe fabric
panel and the back fabric panel should be approximately in-line
with the back of the neck. If the Ratis™ LPU is set too far back
on the body, the neck hole will not properly fit in the inflated
condition.

14 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ OWNER'S MANUAL – RATIS™INFLATABLE LPU

15
NOTE: EXACT ATTACHMENT LOCATIONS WILL VARY BETWEEN DIFFERENT ARMOR
CARRIERS AND KIT SET-UP. IN ALL CASES, THE ARMOR CARRIER MUST BE ATTACHED
SNUGLY TO THE USER. IF THE CARRIER IS LOOSE, THE RATIS™ LPU MAY RIDE UP AND
OVER THE HEAD OF THE USER WHEN INFLATED.
REMOVAL FROM THE ARMOR CARRIER
To remove the Ratis™ LPU from the carrier, unbuckle all straps and
pull buckles through the MOLLE slots.

16 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ OWNER'S MANUAL – RATIS™INFLATABLE LPU
INTEGRATION WITH STAND ALONE ‘BRO’ CHEST HARNESS
STANDARD ‘BRO’ ATTACHMENT
1. Orient the harness and identify the front and back.
2. Loop one of the male buckle straps of the front lobe through the
front Bro slot.
3. Feed the buckle all the way through the Bro slot.

17
4. Clip the male buckle to the female buckle under the inflatable lobe.
5. Feed the buckle strap back through the slot (optional).
6. Pull the strap tight so the inflatable is securely attached in place.
7. Repeat steps 2 – 6 for the other front lobe
8. IMPORTANT! Close the sternum strap in front of the inflatable. This
holds the bladder lobes together in the inflated condition. If it is
not fastened, self-righting performance will be negatively aected.
9. Loop one of the back male buckle straps the through the back
Bro slots.

18 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ OWNER'S MANUAL – RATIS™INFLATABLE LPU
10. Pull the buckle all the way through the slot.
11. Clip the male buckle to the female buckle on the back.
12. Pull the strap tight so the Ratis™ LPU is securely attached in place.
13. Repeat steps 9 – 12 for the other back buckle.