SIST EN 4863:2023
(Main)Aerospace series - Rotorcraft immersion suits - Requirements, testing and marking
Aerospace series - Rotorcraft immersion suits - Requirements, testing and marking
This technical document specifies requirements for immersion suits for use by helicopter crew members and passengers in the event of a ditching or water impact, to ensure minimum levels of performance. It applies to immersion suits for use by adults only.
Luft- und Raumfahrt - Drehflüglerschutzkleidung gegen Unterkühlung im Wasser - Anforderungen, Prüfung und Kennzeichnung
Série aérospatiale - Combinaisons de protection thermique en cas d’immersion de giravion - Exigences, essais et marquage
Le présent document spécifie les exigences relatives aux combinaisons de protection thermique en cas d'immersion destinées à être utilisées par les membres d'équipage et par les passagers des hélicoptères en cas d'amerrissage forcé ou d'impact avec un plan d'eau, afin de garantir des niveaux minimaux de performance. Il s'applique uniquement aux combinaison de protection thermique en cas d'immersion destinées à être utilisées par des adultes.
Aeronavtika - Potopne obleke za posadko v rotoplanu - Zahteve, preskušanje in označevanje
Ta tehnični dokument določa zahteve za potopne obleke, ki jih uporabljajo helikopterske posadke in potniki v primeru pristanka v sili ali vdora vode, da se zagotovi minimalna raven zahtevanih lastnosti. Uporablja se samo za potopne obleke, ki jih uporabljajo odrasli.
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST EN 4863:2023
01-julij-2023
Aeronavtika - Potopne obleke za posadko v rotoplanu - Zahteve, preskušanje in
označevanje
Aerospace series - Rotorcraft immersion suits - Requirements, testing and marking
Luft- und Raumfahrt - Drehflüglerschutzkleidung gegen Unterkühlung im Wasser -
Anforderungen, Prüfung und Kennzeichnung
Série aérospatiale - Combinaisons de protection thermique en cas d’immersion de
giravion - Exigences, essais et marquage
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 4863:2023
ICS:
13.340.10 Varovalna obleka Protective clothing
49.020 Letala in vesoljska vozila na Aircraft and space vehicles in
splošno general
SIST EN 4863:2023 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
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SIST EN 4863:2023
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SIST EN 4863:2023
EN 4863
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
May 2023
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 13.340.10
English Version
Aerospace series - Rotorcraft immersion suits -
Requirements, testing and marking
Série aérospatiale - Combinaisons de protection Luft- und Raumfahrt - Eintauchanzüge für Drehflügler -
thermique en cas d'immersion de giravion - Exigences, Anforderungen, Prüfung und Kennzeichnung
essais et marquage
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 2 January 2023.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2023 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 4863:2023 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
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SIST EN 4863:2023
EN 4863:2023 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 5
Introduction . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Classification. 12
5 Requirements . 13
5.1 General. 13
5.2 Design . 13
5.3 Size and fit . 14
5.4 Materials and components . 15
5.4.1 General. 15
5.4.2 Fuel resistance . 15
5.4.3 Fabric flammability . 15
5.4.4 Fabric thermal conductivity. 15
5.4.5 Tensile strength of seams . 16
5.4.6 Coated fabrics . 16
5.4.7 Other fabrics . 16
5.4.8 Fabric mass . 17
5.4.9 Metallic components . 17
5.5 Resistance to temperature variation . 17
5.6 Flammability . 17
5.7 Wear and tear . 17
5.8 Conspicuity . 17
5.8.1 Colour . 17
5.8.2 Retroreflective material . 19
5.9 EBS . 20
5.10 Other optional accessories . 20
5.11 Ergonomic performance . 20
5.11.1 Donning and fit . 20
5.11.2 Cold donning of hood and gloves . 21
5.11.3 Ergonomics . 21
5.11.4 Water ingress . 21
5.11.5 Escape buoyancy . 21
5.11.6 Thermal protection . 21
5.11.7 Thermal comfort in flight . 22
5.12 Additional requirements for integrated immersion suits . 22
5.12.1 Survivor locator light . 22
5.12.2 Whistle . 23
5.12.3 Lifting loop . 23
5.12.4 Buddy line . 23
5.12.5 Inflation systems . 24
5.12.6 Inflation chamber materials . 25
5.12.7 Overpressure . 25
5.12.8 Buoyancy . 25
2
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SIST EN 4863:2023
EN 4863:2023 (E)
5.12.9 Flotation angle and freeboard . 26
5.12.10 Sprayhood . 26
5.12.11 Torque . 27
5.13 Immersion suit system performance and compatibility requirements . 27
5.13.1 General . 27
5.13.2 Immersion suit system performance . 27
6 Testing . 30
6.1 Visual inspection . 30
6.2 Nominal values and tolerances . 30
6.3 Order of testing . 30
6.4 Fuel resistance of materials and components . 30
6.5 Magnetic properties testing . 31
6.6 Temperature cycling . 31
6.7 Flammability test . 31
6.8 Wear and tear . 32
6.9 Retroreflective material application . 34
6.10 Ergonomic performance . 34
6.10.1 General . 34
6.10.2 Test subjects . 35
6.10.3 Test clothing . 35
6.10.4 Donning and fit . 36
6.10.5 Walking . 36
6.10.6 Climbing . 36
6.10.7 Mobility and manual dexterity . 37
6.10.8 Ride-up assessment . 37
6.10.9 Helicopter underwater escape . 37
6.10.10 Jump into water . 38
6.10.11 Freeboard . 39
6.10.12 Water ingress. 39
6.10.13 Turning . 40
6.10.14 Self-righting . 41
6.10.15 In-water stability test . 41
6.10.16 Field of vision. 42
6.10.17 Colour . 42
6.10.18 Freedom of movement and use of accessories . 42
6.10.19 Liferafts boarding . 43
6.10.20 Rescue and recovery . 43
6.10.21 Escape buoyancy . 43
6.10.22 Thermal protection . 44
6.10.23 Cold donning of hood and gloves . 46
6.11 Additional tests for integrated immersion suits . 46
6.11.1 Inflation tests . 46
6.11.2 Overpressure test . 46
6.11.3 Buoyancy. 46
6.11.4 Sprayhood gas exchange test . 47
6.11.5 Strength of lifting loop . 47
6.11.6 Buddy line . 47
6.11.7 Flotation angles . 47
6.11.8 Freedom of movement and use of accessories . 47
6.11.9 Sprayhood . 47
6.11.10 Torque test . 48
6.12 Immersion suit system performance and compatibility . 48
3
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SIST EN 4863:2023
EN 4863:2023 (E)
6.12.1 General. 48
6.12.2 Test subjects . 48
6.12.3 Clothing. 48
6.12.4 Immersion suit system performance and compatibility testing . 48
6.13 Crew equipment compatibility . 49
6.14 Reporting . 51
7 Marking . 51
8 Information supplied by the manufacturer . 52
Annex A (informative) Guidelines for manufacturers and users relating to the different categories
of immersion suit . 54
A.1 General. 54
A.2 Operational application of immersion suit categories. 54
Bibliography . 57
4
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SIST EN 4863:2023
EN 4863:2023 (E)
European foreword
This document (EN 4863:2023) has been prepared by the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association
of Europe — Standardization (ASD-STAN).
After enquiries and votes carried out in accordance with the rules of this Association, this document has
received the approval of the National Associations and the Official Services of the member countries of
ASD-STAN, prior to its presentation to CEN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by November 2023, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by November 2023.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Republic of North Macedonia, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United
Kingdom.
5
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SIST EN 4863:2023
EN 4863:2023 (E)
Introduction
This document prescribes the minimum standards of design and performance for rotorcraft immersion
suits, used to reduce cold shock on initial immersion and provide thermal protection following
evacuation or escape from a rotorcraft.
The document aims to ensure that the equipment user is able to perform normal activities during flight
and to carry out the necessary emergency procedures, whilst being provided with an appropriate level
of protection under foreseeable conditions of use. It aims to ensure that the equipment presents a
minimal hazard in relation to escape from the rotorcraft, and that the equipment has no detrimental effect
on the health and safety of the user or on the performance of other equipment.
It is assumed for the purpose of this document that the immersion suit is donned prior to boarding the
rotorcraft.
Rotorcraft immersion suits may be designed to be worn with an approved rotorcraft constant wear
lifejacket or may be designed to incorporate the functionality of a lifejacket in which case the wearing of
a separate lifejacket is not required.
This document is applicable to all rotorcraft. Rotorcraft include helicopters, tilt rotor/wing and
gyroplanes. For the purpose of this document, the term helicopter is used generically hereinafter.
6
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SIST EN 4863:2023
EN 4863:2023 (E)
1 Scope
This document specifies requirements for immersion suits for use by helicopter crew members and
passengers in the event of a ditching or water impact, to ensure minimum levels of performance. It applies
to immersion suits for use by adults only.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 4856, Aerospace series — Rotorcraft — Emergency Breathing Systems (EBS) — Requirements, testing
and marking
EN 4862:2023, Aerospace series — Rotorcraft constant wear lifejackets — Requirements, testing and
marking
1
EN 4886, Aerospace series — Rotorcraft life raft — Requirements, testing and marking
EN 14225-1:2017, Diving suits — Part 1: Wet suits — Requirements and test methods
EN ISO 105-E02, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part E02: Colour fastness to sea water
(ISO 105-E02)
EN ISO 105-X12, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part X12: Colour fastness to rubbing (ISO 105-X12)
EN ISO 811, Textiles — Determination of resistance to water penetration — Hydrostatic pressure test
(ISO 811)
EN ISO 1421, Rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics — Determination of tensile strength and elongation at
break (ISO 1421)
EN ISO 2411, Rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics — Determination of coating adhesion (ISO 2411)
EN ISO 4674-1, Rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics — Determination of tear resistance — Part 1: Constant
rate of tear methods (ISO 4674-1)
EN ISO 7854, Rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics — Determination of resistance to damage by flexing
(ISO 7854)
EN ISO 9227, Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres — Salt spray tests (ISO 9227)
EN ISO 11092, Textiles — Physiological effects — Measurement of thermal and water-vapour resistance
under steady-state conditions (sweating guarded-hotplate test) (ISO 11092)
EN ISO 12402-7, Personal flotation devices — Part 7: Materials and components — Safety requirements
and test methods (ISO 12402-7)
EN ISO 12402-8, Personal flotation devices — Part 8: Accessories — Safety requirements and test methods
(ISO 12402-8)
1 Under preparation.
7
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SIST EN 4863:2023
EN 4863:2023 (E)
EN ISO 12894, Ergonomics of the thermal environment — Medical supervision of individuals exposed to
extreme hot or cold environments (ISO 12894)
EN ISO 13934-1, Textiles — Tensile properties of fabrics — Part 1: Determination of maximum force and
elongation at maximum force using the strip method (ISO 13934-1)
EN ISO 13935-2, Textiles — Seam tensile properties of fabrics and made-up textile articles — Part 2:
Determination of maximum force to seam rupture using the grab method (ISO 13935-2)
EN ISO 13937-4, Textiles — Tear properties of fabrics — Part 4: Determination of tear force of tongue-
shaped test specimens (Double tear test) (ISO 13937-4)
EN ISO 14116:2015, Protective clothing — Protection against flame — Limited flame spread materials,
material assemblies and clothing (ISO 14116:2015)
EN ISO 15025:2016, Protective clothing — Protection against flame — Method of test for limited flame
spread (ISO 15025:2016)
ISO 105-A02, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour
ISO 188, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Accelerated ageing and heat resistance tests
ISO 3801, Textiles — Woven fabrics — Determination of mass per unit length and mass per unit area
ASTM D1655, Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuels
CIE 015, Colorimetry
DEF STAN 91-091, Turbine Fuel, Kerosene Type, Jet A-1; NATO Code: F-35; Joint Service Designation: AVTUR
EASA, Certification Specifications and Acceptable Means of Compliance for Large Aeroplanes, CS-25,
Book 1 — Appendix F
EASA, ETSO-C85b, Survivor Locator Lights
IATA, Guidance Material (Kerosene Type), NATO Code F-35
IMO, Resolution A.658(16), Use and Fitting of Retro-Reflective Materials on Life-Saving Appliances
IMO, International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code, adopted by Resolution MSC.48 (66), (as amended)
IMO, Resolution MSC.81(70), (adopted on 11 December 1998) Revised recommendation on testing of life-
saving appliances
MIL-STD-3009, Lighting, Aircraft, Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) Compatible
SAE ARP 5825, Design Requirements and Test Procedures for Dual Mode Exterior Lights
SAE AS 4492A, Survivor Locator Lights
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
8
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SIST EN 4863:2023
EN 4863:2023 (E)
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
lifejacket
garment or device which, when correctly worn and used in water will provide the user with buoyancy
positioned to provide protection from drowning and increase the likelihood of survival and rescue
3.2
helicopter constant wear lifejacket
lifejacket worn on the body throughout a helicopter flight over water, provided to protect the user in the
event of a ditching or water impact
3.3
buoyancy chamber
inflatable component of a lifejacket or integrated immersion suit
3.4
immersion suit
garment designed to protect the user’s body from the cooling effects of unintended immersion in water
Note 1 to entry: Cooling effects include cold shock and hypothermia.
Note 2 to entry: An immersion suit may be integrated o
...
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 4863:2021
01-november-2021
Aeronavtika - Potopne obleke za posadko v rotoplanu - Zahteve, preskušanje in
označevanje
Aerospace series - Rotorcraft immersion suits - Requirements, testing and marking
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 4863
ICS:
13.340.10 Varovalna obleka Protective clothing
49.020 Letala in vesoljska vozila na Aircraft and space vehicles in
splošno general
oSIST prEN 4863:2021 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
oSIST prEN 4863:2021
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oSIST prEN 4863:2021
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 4863
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
September 2021
ICS 13.340.10
English Version
Aerospace series - Rotorcraft immersion suits -
Requirements, testing and marking
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee ASD-
STAN.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2021 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 4863:2021 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
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oSIST prEN 4863:2021
prEN 4863:2021 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Classification. 11
5 Requirements . 11
5.1 General. 11
5.2 Design . 11
5.3 Size and fit . 12
5.4 Materials and components . 12
5.5 Resistance to temperature variation . 15
5.6 Flammability . 15
5.7 Wear and tear . 15
5.8 Conspicuity . 15
5.9 EBS . 18
5.10 Other optional accessories . 18
5.11 Ergonomic performance . 19
5.12 Additional requirements for integrated immersion suits . 21
5.13 Immersion suit system performance and compatibility requirements . 26
6 Testing . 29
6.1 Visual inspection . 29
6.2 Nominal values and tolerances . 29
6.3 Order of testing . 29
6.4 Fuel resistance of materials and components . 29
6.5 Magnetic properties testing . 29
6.6 Temperature cycling. 30
6.7 Flammability test . 30
6.8 Wear and tear . 31
6.9 Retroreflective material application . 33
6.10 Ergonomic performance . 33
6.11 Additional tests for integrated immersion suits . 45
6.12 Immersion suit system performance and compatibility . 47
6.13 Crew equipment compatibility . 48
6.14 Reporting . 50
7 Marking . 50
8 Information supplied by the manufacturer . 51
Annex A (informative) Guidelines for manufacturers and users relating to the different
categories of immersion suit . 53
A.1 General. 53
A.2 Operational application of immersion suit categories. 53
Bibliography . 56
2
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oSIST prEN 4863:2021
prEN 4863:2021 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 4863:2021) has been prepared by the Aerospace and Defence Industries
Association of Europe – Standardization (ASD-STAN).
After enquiries and votes carried out in accordance with the rules of this Association, this document has
received the approval of the National Associations and the Official Services of the member countries of
ASD-STAN, prior to its presentation to CEN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
3
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oSIST prEN 4863:2021
prEN 4863:2021 (E)
Introduction
This technical document prescribes the minimum standards of design and performance for rotorcraft
immersion suits, used to reduce cold shock on initial immersion and provide thermal protection
following evacuation or escape from a rotorcraft.
The technical document aims to ensure that the equipment user is able to perform normal activities
during flight and to carry out the necessary emergency procedures, whilst being provided with an
appropriate level of protection under foreseeable conditions of use. It aims to ensure that the
equipment presents a minimal hazard in relation to escape from the rotorcraft, and that the equipment
has no detrimental effect on the health and safety of the user or on the performance of other equipment.
It is assumed for the purpose of this document that the immersion suit is donned prior to boarding the
rotorcraft.
Rotorcraft immersion suits may be designed to be worn with an approved rotorcraft constant wear
lifejacket or may be designed to incorporate the functionality of a lifejacket in which case the wearing of
a separate lifejacket is not required.
This document is applicable to all rotorcraft. Rotorcraft include helicopters, tilt rotor/wing and
gyroplanes. For the purpose of this document, the term helicopter is used generically hereinafter.
4
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oSIST prEN 4863:2021
prEN 4863:2021 (E)
1 Scope
This technical document specifies requirements for immersion suits for use by helicopter crew
members and passengers in the event of a ditching or water impact, to ensure minimum levels of
performance. It applies to immersion suits for use by adults only.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 4856, Rotorcraft - Emergency Breathing Systems (EBS) - Requirements, testing and marking
1
EN 4862:—, Rotorcraft - Constant Wear Lifejackets - Requirements, testing and marking
2
EN 4886, Aerospace series - Rotorcraft - Liferafts for operations in hostile sea areas - Requirements,
testing and marking
EN 14225-1:2017, Diving suits - Part 1: Wet suits - Requirements and test methods
EN ISO 811, Textiles - Determination of resistance to water penetration - Hydrostatic pressure test
(ISO 811)
EN ISO 1421, Rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics - Determination of tensile strength and elongation at
break (ISO 1421)
EN ISO 2411, Rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics - Determination of coating adhesion (ISO 2411)
EN ISO 4674-1, Rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics - Determination of tear resistance - Part 1: Constant
rate of tear methods (ISO 4674-1)
EN ISO 7854, Rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics - Determination of resistance to damage by flexing
(ISO 7854)
EN ISO 9227, Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres - Salt spray tests (ISO 9227)
EN ISO 11092, Textiles - Physiological effects - Measurement of thermal and water-vapour resistance
under steady-state conditions (sweating guarded-hotplate test) (ISO 11092)
EN ISO 12402-7, Personal flotation devices - Part 7: Materials and components - Safety requirements and
test methods (ISO 12402-7)
EN ISO 12402-8, Personal flotation devices - Part 8: Accessories - Safety requirements and test methods
(ISO 12402-8)
EN ISO 12894, Ergonomics of the thermal environment - Medical supervision of individuals exposed to
extreme hot or cold environments (ISO 12894)
1
Under preparation. Current stage is: prEN 4862:2021.
2
Under preparation.
5
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oSIST prEN 4863:2021
prEN 4863:2021 (E)
EN ISO 13934-1, Textiles - Tensile properties of fabrics - Part 1: Determination of maximum force and
elongation at maximum force using the strip method (ISO 13934-1)
EN ISO 13935-2, Textiles - Seam tensile properties of fabrics and made-up textile articles - Part 2:
Determination of maximum force to seam rupture using the grab method (ISO 13935-2)
EN ISO 13937-4, Textiles - Tear properties of fabrics - Part 4: Determination of tear force of tongue-
shaped test specimens (Double tear test) (ISO 13937-4)
ISO 105-A02, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour
ISO 105-E02, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part E02: Colour fastness to sea water
ISO 105-X12, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part X12: Colour fastness to rubbing
ISO 188, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Accelerated ageing and heat resistance tests
ISO 3801, Textiles — Woven fabrics — Determination of mass per unit length and mass per unit area
ASTM D1655, Specification for aviation turbine fuels
CIE 015, Colorimetry
DEF STAN 91-091, Turbine Fuel, Kerosine Type, Jet A-1; NATO Code: F-35; Joint Service Designation:
AVTUR
EASA, Certification Specifications and Acceptable Means of Compliance for Large Aeroplanes, CS-25,
Book 1 – Appendix F
EASA, ETSO-C85b, Survivor locator lights
IATA, Guidance material (Kerosene Type), NATO Code F-35
IMO, Resolution A.658(16), Use and fitting of retro-reflective materials on life-saving appliances
IMO, International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code, adopted by Resolution MSC.48(66), (as amended)
IMO, Resolution MSC.81(70), (adopted on 11 December 1998) Revised recommendation on testing of life-
saving appliances
MIL-STD-3009, Lighting, aircraft, night vision imaging system (NVIS) compatible
SAE ARP5825, Design requirements and test procedures for dual mode exterior lights
SAE AS 4492A, Survivor locator lights
6
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oSIST prEN 4863:2021
prEN 4863:2021 (E)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
lifejacket
garment or device which, when correctly worn and used in water will provide the user with buoyancy
positioned to provide protection from drowning and increase the likelihood of survival and rescue
3.2
helicopter constant wear lifejacket
lifejacket worn on the body throughout a helicopter flight over water, provided to protect the user in
the event of a ditching or water impact
3.3
buoyancy chamber
inflatable component of a lifejacket or integrated immersion suit
3.4
immersion suit
garment designed to protect the user’s body from the cooling effects of unintended immersion in water
Note 1 to entry: Cooling effects include cold shock and hypothermia.
Note 2 to entry: An immersion suit may be integrated or worn with a separate constant wear lifejacket.
3.5
integrated immersion suit
immersion suit that incorporates the functionality of a lifejacket
3.6
buoyancy element
inflatable chamber incorporated into an integrated immersion suit that, when inflated, provides the suit
with the functionality of a lifejacket
3.7
helicopter immersion suit
immersion suit worn on the body throughout a helicopter flight, provided to protect the user in the
event of a ditching or water impact
3.8
immersion suit system
helicopter immersion suit (with or without thermal insulation) and its components and accessories
including either a constant wear lifejacket or buoyancy element and/or emergency breathing system, as
applicable
3.9
hood
covering for the head and neck with an opening for the face, worn for protection against cold
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3.10
glove
covering for the hand which may have separate parts for each finger and the thumb, worn for
protection against cold
3.11
thermal insulation
material layer used in an immersion suit to reduces heat flow, thus provided protection against cold
3.12
underclothing
clothes worn under a helicopter immersion suit
3.13
emergency breathing system
EBS
system that allows a person to breathe underwater, overcoming the need to breath-hold for the
complete duration of an underwater escape from a helicopter, that can be deployed under emergency
conditions
3.14
rotorcraft
heavier-than-air aircraft that depends principally for its support in flight on the lift generated by one or
more rotors
3.15
helicopter
rotorcraft that, for its horizontal motion, depends principally on its engine-driven rotors
3.16
ditching
controlled emergency landing on water, deliberately executed in accordance with Rotorcraft Flight
Manual procedures, with the intent of abandoning the rotorcraft as soon as practical
3.17
water impact
helicopter contact with water that is unintentional or exceeds the ditching capability of the helicopter
for water entry
3.18
crew member
person assigned by an operator to perform duties on board an aircraft
3.19
hardware
lifejacket components such as structural closures and adjusters and multi-eyelet guides used with
lacing
3.20
manual inflation system
means of inflation achieved by a person operating a mechanism that actively releases stored gas into
the buoyancy chamber(s)
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3.21
fully inflated
inflation achieved by using the manual inflation system (stored gas) with no subsequent deflation
3.22
oral inflation system
means of inflation achieved by a person blowing expired air into the buoyancy chamber(s)
3.23
overpressure relief valve
safety device used to limit the pressure in an inflatable system, to avoid the likelihood of destruction
caused by excessive pressure
3.24
sprayhood
cover that can be brought in front of the face, incorporating an area of transparent material, used to
protect the airways from water and wave splash, intended to increase the likelihood of survival in
rough water conditions
3.25
survivor locator light
device which emits light intended to aid in the location of the user in an emergency
3.26
whistle
device which, when blown by mouth, produces an audible sound intended to aid in the location of the
user
3.27
lifting loop
device which facilitates manual recovery of a person from water
3.28
buddy line
length of cord or webbing which can be tied or otherwise fixed to another person or to that person’s
lifejacket or other objects, so as to keep the user in the vicinity of that person or object, aiding in the
location of the user
3.29
retroreflective material
material that reflects light beams back to their point of origin with a low level of scattering
3.30
infrared
IR
electromagnetic radiation at the red end of the spectrum at wavelengths from 800 nm to 1 mm (longer
than those of visible red light but shorter than microwaves)
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3.31
personal locator device
PLD
device carried on the body that is able to transmit a signal to enable electronic detection and location of
a person in the water
Note 1 to entry: In the maritime environment a PLD may be known as an Autonomous Maritime Rescue Device
(AMRD).
3.32
escape buoyancy
buoyancy of an equipment combination, with the lifejacket or buoyancy element uninflated, that must
be overcome when escaping from an immersed helicopter
Note 1 to entry: It includes the inherent buoyancy of the components of the immersion suit system and entrapped
air but excludes the inflated buoyancy elements.
3.33
hypothermia
condition where body core temperature is below 35 °C
3.34
cold shock
short transitory phase lasting about 2 min to 3 min upon sudden immersion in cold water and
characterized by reduced breath-holding ability and an uncontrollable hyperventilation accompanied
by other cardio-respiratory distress
3.35
heat strain
increase of body temperature induced by sustained heat stress which cannot be fully compensated by
temperature regulation or activation of thermoeffective activities in response to heat stress, which
cause sustained changes in the state of other, non-thermal, regulatory systems
3.36
thermal resistance
insulation
R
ct
temperature difference between the two faces of a material divided by the resultant heat flux per unit
area in the direction of the gradient
Note 1 to entry: The dry heat flux may consist of one or more conductive and radiant components. Thermal
resistance R , expressed in square metres kelvin per watt, is a quantity specific to textile materials or composites,
ct
which determines the dry heat flux across a given area in response to a steady applied temperature gradient.
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4 Classification
There are four categories of immersion suit system with different thermal insulation, defined in Table 1.
Table 1 — Helicopter immersion suit system categories
Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4
Insulation level Immersion suit Immersion suit Immersion suit Immersion suit
system without system with low system with system with high
inherent inherent medium inherent inherent
insulation insulation insulation insulation
Sea temperatures
relating to ≥ 12 ≥ 7 ≥ 2 < 2
intended use (°C)
NOTE Helicopter immersion suits are hereinafter referred to as immersion suits.
Protection from drowning is provided either by the use of a helicopter constant wear lifejacket worn
with the immersion suit, or by the immersion suit incorporating a buoyancy element that has the
functionality of a lifejacket (integrated immersion suit).
Guidance and background relating to the use of immersion suits and the different categories of
protection is provided in Annex A (informative).
5 Requirements
5.1 General
5.1.1 Immersion suits may be designed for dedicated use by crew members only, for dedicated use by
passengers only, or for use by crew members and passengers.
5.1.2 The immersion suit system shall not adversely affect the health or hygiene of the user.
5.2 Design
5.2.1 The immersion suit shall comprise at least the following:
• a dry coverall garment;
• wrist seals;
• neck and/or face seal;
• a closure system;
• integral socks or boots.
5.2.2 A combination of an immersion suit and accessories shall not impair the performance of the
system. This shall be established by testing the immersion suit and accessories in combination, in
accordance with 6.1, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12 and 6.13 as applicable.
The requirements for accessories are identified in Table 2.
5.2.3 The immersion suit shall include an integral or separate hood to provide thermal insulation to
the head. Testing shall be carried out in accordance with 6.1.
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5.2.4 The immersion suit shall include gloves to protect the hands. Gloves shall be either permanently
attached or tethered to the immersion suit. Testing shall be carried out in accordance with 6.1.
5.2.5 The immersion suit shall not contain any component nor use any method of component
attachment which in normal use is likely to cause injury to the user or damage the suit when tested in
accordance with 6.10, 6.11, 6.12 and 6.13.
Table 2 — Immersion suit accessories
Accessory Mandatory Optional Requirement
a
Inherent thermal insulation layer
5.11.6, 5.11.7
x
Hood x 5.2.3
Gloves x 5.2.4
b
Sprayhood 5.12.11
x
b
Survivor locator light
x 5.12.1
b
Whistle
x 5.12.2
b
Lifting loop 5.12.3
x
b
Buddy line
5.12.4
x
Retroreflective material x 5.8.2
c
EBS 5.9, 5.13
x
Other x 5.10, 5.13
a
Dependent upon the category of immersion suit system.
b
Mandatory for immersion suits with integral lifejacket functionality.
c
EBS are only mandatory for helicopter offshore operations [European Commission Regulation (EU) No
965/2012, amended by Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1199, SPA.HOFO.165(c)]. EBS may or may not
be attached to the immersion suit.
5.3 Size and fit
The design of the immersion suit shall allow tailoring to fit the individual user or, where suits are not
individually tailored, the size range shall be satisfactory to at least fit the test subject size range defined
in 6.10.2.
Testing shall be carried out in accordance with 6.1, 6.10.4.
5.4 Materials and components
5.4.1 General
The choice of materials used shall be such that, when stowed in accordance with the relevant
instructions, neither the immersion suit nor its attached equipment shall be liable to become
unserviceable through material deterioration or chafing, or from any other cause. All materials used
shall be compatible with the complete immersion suit system.
All fabric samples including seam samples shall be pre-conditioned by temperature cycling in
accordance with 6.6.
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5.4.2 Fuel resistance
All exterior structural materials, fabrics, typical seams, seals and components of the immersion suit
shall be resistant to the damaging effects of aviation fuel (Jet A1 in accordance with DEF STAN 91-091,
ASTM D1655 and IATA Guidance material (Kerosene Type), NATO Code F-35).
Testing shall be carried out in accordance with the fuel resistance test (6.4). There shall be no leakage
during the hydrostatic test and the tensile seam strength shall be at least 150 N per 50 mm width using
the grab method given in EN ISO 13935-2.
5.4.3 Fabric flammability
The outer fabric used in the construction of the immersion suit shall as a minimum meet the vertical
test of EASA CS-25 Appendix F Part 1 (a)(1)(ii) (or as amended).
The test shall be conducted on new fabric without any pre-treatment.
5.4.4 Fabric thermal conductivity
5.4.4.1 Outer fabrics
Where required in accordance with 5.11.6.2, the thermal conductivity of the outer fabrics used in the
construction of the immersion suit shall be measured in fresh water.
Testing shall be carried out in accordance with the test method described in EN 14225-1:2017, Annex A.
Measurements shall be carried out on three samples of each material. Each sample shall be in the form
of a cylindrical sleeve 210 mm high and 150 mm diameter, to give a surface area exposed to the heat
2
flow of 0,1 m .
The tank in which the apparatus is immersed shall be at a uniform water temperature between 10 °C
and 15 °C and the difference between the water temperature within the apparatus and the external
water temperature shall be between 25 °C and 30 °C.
Each sample shall be tested at a pressure of 1 bar absolute only.
5.4.4.2 Insulating material
Where required in accordance with 5.11.6.2, the thermal conductivity of any insulating material that is
not an outer fabric shall be tested in accordance with the thermal resistance requirements of
EN ISO 11092.
Measurements shall be carried out on three samples of each material.
5.4.5 Tensile strength of seams
The tensile strength of seams shall be of at least 200 N per 50 mm width. The seam shall not leak when
samples are subjected to a hydrostatic test according to EN ISO 811 at a rate of 100 mm/min up to a
1 000 mm water head. Then carry out a tensile seam strength test according to EN ISO 13935-2. The
tensile strength shall be measured on separate samples using specimens of at least 60 mm width and
with at least 100 mm of material on each side of the test point, with four similar seams for each type of
se
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