PCU-15/P, PCU-16/P

Torso harness assemblies; Emergency parachute harness, ejection seat 

PCU-15/P (15A/P, 15B/P); NSN 1670-00-369-5444 (PN 68J369)

PCU-16/P (16A/P, 16B/P): NSN 1670-00-454-0926 (PN 68J370)

The torso harnesses currently being used in various types of aircraft in which parachutes are installed or otherwise attached to the ejection seat. The torso harness is a single-unit assembly designed for wear by aircrew members outside the aircraft. An aircrew member wearing the harness is attached to the parachute by mating the canopy release body assemblies to the parachute adapter assemblies on the parachute risers. Each harness consists of a lightweight, flexible, nylon framework mounted on a nylon vest and utilizing a sectional main sling. There are three (3) quick-adjustment points and two (2) canopy releases.

The PCU-15/P, PCU-15A/P, PCU-16/P, PCU-16A/P, PCU-15B/P, PCU-16B/P harnesses are identical in that they employ ejector snap on the chest and leg straps. They differ only in canopy release body design. The PCU-15/P and PCU-16/P harnesses use canopy release body (PN 015-11038-1). A harness using canopy release body (PN 81116-10) is designated an A/P; ie., PCU-15A/P or PCU-16A/P. A harness using canopy release body (PN 990010-1/990010-9) is designated a B/P; ie., PCU-15B/P or PCU-16B/P.

The installation of various survival items on the harness does not affect the basic configuration since usage of these items is optional with the commands. Certain items (such as lowering devices), which are tailored for use in specific aircraft, may require the relocation of other survival items on the harness so that the items do not interfere with each other.

The PCU-15/P and PCU-16/P torso harnesses are intended for use in aircraft such as the F-4, A-7, F-15 and OV-IO series aircraft. The PCU-15A/P and PCU-16A/P torso harness is for use in the F-16 aircraft. The PCU-15B/P and PCU-16B/P torso harness is for use in all aircraft utilizing the 2nd Generation Koch Release.