AIRBORNE LIFEBOAT MK III [Main Title]

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  • Title: AIRBORNE LIFEBOAT MK III [Main Title]
  • Film Number: AMY 116
  • Other titles:
  • Summary: Information film focusing on the A.3. airborne lifeboat, a 30ft lifeboat dropped by parachute to survivors in a rubber dinghy. Film addresses how the lifeboat is operated and the equipment carried in it.
  • Description: Reel 1: “Part 1 – Lifeboat Dropping Technique” - introduction to the MkIII Airborne Lifeboat and description of boat system. Bomb Bay of Shackleton shown and boat attachment equipment. Pre flight checks of aircraft and boat stored in bomb bay. (Avro Shackleton MR2 WR956 shown taxiing out with boat in position). Take off of aircraft. Crew of eight simulated as ditched crew awaiting drop of lifeboat. Diagrammatic explanation of method of delivering boat to ditched crew. Procedure of dropping lifeboat by aircraft crew that have been located by the search aircraft which leads in the boat carrying aircraft. Markers dropped and aircraft prepares for drop. Reel 2: - Continuation of procedures prior to dropping. Further markers dropped to assist computing the correct dropping run. Countdown to releasing the boat and dropping boat shown – parachutes deployed and boat lands in sea – parachutes detached from boat by explosive charge. Dropping contact cord to deploy across the drogue line of the lifeboat to facilitate recovery of container by ditched crew. Reel 3: Diagram of deployment of lifeboat and contact cord downwind of dinghies to assist ditched crew recover to the lifeboat. Example of nil wind scenario shown in diagram. Various other wind conditions shown and compensation for dropping contact cord and importance of ensuring contact cord always straddles the lifeboat drogue line . Ditched crew shown reaching lifeboat and boarding. (End of Pt 1). Reel 4: “Part 2 – Lifeboat Handling” - recap the MkIII Airborne Lifeboat and its key features. Emergency Stores, oars, seats for rowing and canvas drogue for use in heavy seas. Immersions suits, sleeping suits, canvas awnings, first aid kit, tool kit etc. Crew of eight used to simulate rescue process. Dropping technique re-explained in brief. Crew shown recovering to lifeboat and board. Crew read message dropped in lifeboat by carrying aircraft giving their location, course to steer, weather conditions. Reel 5: Immediate actions to be undertaken checked prior to getting underway. Inspection of lifeboat for any damage. Navigation equipment un-stowed. Other equipment broken out and instruction manuals checked. Preparing lifeboat for use, installing compass, steering wheel, rudder, raising mast etc. Dingies are now sunk once all equipment removed. Captain and navigator decide on course to plot and method of travel (fuel in lifeboat gives 1200 miles range). Reel 6: Duties allocated to crew by Captain prior to start of voyage. Engine starting procedure explained. Carrying aircraft still on location gets update from crew to pass to rescue elements. Communications sets explained. Procedure to rig boat for rowing shown. Reel 7: If required the sail will be deployed to augment the engine. Deploying the sail shown. Safety belts for use in rough weather shown. Deploying the canvas dodgers and if required the awning. Rain water can be collected from the awning using a metal cock in the awning. Heave to drill shown should it become too rough. Lifeboat has been designed to get survivors back to land under the most adverse conditions. Essential crew follow instructions in manual for every operation and handle equipment with care. Discipline, tactics, conservation of food and fuel essential in ensuring successful rescue.
  • Alternative Title:
  • Colour: B&W
  • Digitised:
  • Object_Number: AMY 116
  • Sound: Sound
  • Access Conditions:
  • Featured Period: 1946-1975
  • Production Date: 1953
  • Production Country: GB
  • Production Details: AIR MINISTRY (Production sponsor) Hammond, William (Production individual) Gray, Cyril1921-09-051995 (Production individual) Fisher, George (Production individual) Lockstone, K L (Production individual)
  • Personalities, Units and Organisations:
  • Keywords:
  • Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W Sound format: Sound
  • Technical Details: Format: 35mm Number of items/reels/tapes: 7
  • HD Media:
  • Link to IWM Collections page:

    AMY 116

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