Frank Leffelaar's OutThere Archive


Mustang G-Suits in Jetstream

Jet Stream On Discovery ChannelJetstream is a reality TV show on Discovery Channel Canada that follows 8 pilots in training with the Canadian Air Force to fly the CF-18 hornet at CFB Cold Lake, a Canadian Forces Base located 5.5 nautical miles (10 km) southwest of Cold Lake, Alberta.

Mustang Survival has designed and manufactured pilot flight equipment since 1991 and supplies suits specially designed for a range of aircraft operated by the US and Canadian Air Forces. Mustang Survival also builds the DRDC designed STING(TM) G-suit and integrated life preserver & survival vest worn by the Canadian pilots on Jetstream. We have had a long standing working relationship with “Cold Lake” in Alberta, Canada.

Mustang Survival is one of a few select companies in the world to design and manufacture G-suits. These specialized suits protect jet fighter pilots from the risks they are exposed to when maneuvering at high speeds. As a result of centripetal forces when a fighter jet maneuvers, blood pressure to the pilots brain is reduced, putting the pilot at risk of black-out, known in the Air Force community as G-LOC (G-induced loss of consciousness).

A ‘G-Suit’ is a special garment and generally takes the form of tightly-fitting trousers. The trousers are fitted with inflatable bladders which, when pressurized by a G-sensitive valve in the aircraft, press firmly on the abdomen and legs, thus restricting the flow of blood away from, and pressure loss in the brain during periods of high acceleration.

Posted by Frank Leffelaar on Mar 3, 2008 @ 3:26 pm in Aviation, Military | No Comments »

Adventure Lights

SARSCENE was a great venue in many ways. It provided the opportunity to meet with the leading experts in search and rescue, engage in discussions about our latest gear with customers, uncover opportunities and develop partnerships. While this sounds very text book, the discussions are rewarding as we all strive to the common goal; Keeping people safe while they are doing their job or enjoying leisure time on the water.

One of those partnering opportunities that presented itself is improving your visibility. With winter approaching, this is the time to think about getting some accessory lights, for you, your family, employees and colleagues.

Mustang Survival makes products for water rescuers and all those that work or play on or near the water. So we’re talking about visibility of the rescuer, workers or pleasure boaters. Our foam and inflatable life jackets, flotation coats, immersion and dry suits all benefit from lights to increase visibility. We have always had the essential strobe lights in our line, but there is a new type of lights that can significantly increase safety in closer proximity applications. Bright, rugged, waterproof, extremely compact, light weight, efficient power use, Adventure Lights manufactures specialty lights for the military, rescue professionals and recreational boaters.

guardian.jpgThe Guardian is ideal for rescuers; with five bright colors available, different members or groups can be quickly & easily identified (see who is where). The Guardian is a dual function beacon that can be changed from flashing mode to steady on (flashlight mode) by simply flipping over the battery pack inside. Imagine the uses you would have for a compact waterproof flashlight on your lash tab? Boasting over 250 hours of bright light in flashing mode and 100 hours in steady on, the Guardian will ensure that you have light when you need it.

With a weight of only 15g, the Guardian offers visibility of over 1 mile. (1.5 Km) Available in White, Green, Blue, Amber & Red, the belt clip (included) fits easily on a standard lash tag, the light loop on our Deluxe and HIT Inflatable PFD, paddling vest and work vests. It can also be used with a simple Velcro loop for a semi-permanent attachment. A special S.O.S./steady on version is the perfect addition for packs, kits & glove boxes.

vip-light.jpgThe VIP Signal Light is the pinnacle of portable emergency lighting. Tested in deserts, the Arctic, in the stratosphere and recently certified to 600 M in Deep Ocean testing, the VIP has proven to hold up to the demands of extreme environmental conditions over unpredictable terrain. The VIP is the only waterproof light in the world that is a flashlight, emergency flasher and SOS survival beacon all in one terrific package. With visibility over 5K, many of the world’s most elite military, police and search and rescue teams currently use the VIP and attest that it sets new standards of quality and reliability.
This is your chance to win a Standard Yellow Case VIP signal light.

Comment on this blog why you think an Adventure light on your Mustang gear will make your job or pastime safer. We will choose 3 of the most compelling ideas and reward them with a free VIP light ($85 value). Please be in the US or Canada and comment by November 18. We will announce all winners here on November 22.

Posted by Frank Leffelaar on Nov 2, 2007 @ 3:38 pm in Recreational | No Comments »

Bassmaster Memorial

BassMaster Memorial Winner Peter Thilveros Some of you might know Mustang Survival is the official PFD of BASS ESPN. As part of our sponsorship we attended the four day Bassmaster Memorial competition where about 50 anglers battle it out for the winning prize of $250,000 and Top 25 win at least 10,000 dollars.

This memorial was dedicated to Don Butler, who was the first person to join BASS. When Ray Scott was starting the organization in the late 1960s, he gave Ray a $100 bill so that he could be a life member. When Scott was short of funds to send BASS membership applications to fishermen, it was Butler who saved the day with $10,000 to help pay for tournament costs. He was a fishing innovator and designed the first aeration system for a bass boat, making catch and release a reality for millions of anglers.

A full field of 51 qualifying anglers fished during the first 2 days of competition on New York’s Oneida Lake. The field was cut to the Top 12 anglers after day 2. The final two days were held on Onondaga Lake on a rotating six-hole course set up by BASS officials.

Florida’s Peter Thliveros defended his Bassmaster Memorial Title, holding off his nearest competitor, Steve Kennedy of Auburn, Ala., by just 2 ounces. With the victory and the top prize of $250,000, he has amassed more than $1.5 million in BASS career earnings.

Moving up one spot to third was John Murray of Phoenix. In fourth was Dean Rojas of Lake Havasu. Day 3 leader Dave Wolak of Wake Forest, N.C., slipped to fifth. Finishing sixth was Jared Lintner of Arroyo Grande, Calif. Mike McClelland, who is sponsored by Mustang Survival, had an excellent first day, but just missed the cut for the 3rd and 4th day, and finished 17th.

The next Bassmaster Major, the Legends will be held August 23 – 26 at Lake Dardanelle in Russellville, Ark. and honors BASS founder Ray Scott.

Fishing fans can catch all the action at 9 a.m. ET Saturday, on ESPN2.

View the Flickr Gallery.

Posted by Frank Leffelaar on Aug 14, 2007 @ 10:00 am in BASS ESPN, Fishing | No Comments »