TM 5-4220-225-14
SECTION II. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION AND DATA
Paragraph
Page
1-7
Equipment Characteristics, Capabilities and Features ...............................................
1-3
1-8
Location and Description of Major Components ........................................................
1-3
1-9
Equipment Data ........................................................................................................
1-7
1-10
Safety, Care and Handling ........................................................................................
1-7
1-7. Equipment Characteristics, Capabilities, and Features. The MK12 SSDS provides the Army with a variety of
different diving capabilities using the same helmet. The MK12 SSDS consists of three major assemblies which are, the
helmet assembly, the dress assembly, and support equipment. The system is designed to directly interface with existing
equipment, which normally includes the diving console and communications station. The MK12 is designed and built
with emphasis on the following features:
Interchangeability of parts
Minimal maintenance time
Positive and negative buoyancy control
Reduced system weight
High degree of diver safety
Provision for a swimming capability
Reduced helmet and ejector noise
Wide field of view
Extended life support duration
Provision for dry or wet diver envelope
Provision for diver weight distribution and selection
Reduced possibility of diver blowup
High degree of diver mobility
High level of diver comfort
1-8. Location and Description of Major Components. (figure 1-2)
HELMET ASSEMBLY (1). Provides the diver with air to breathe from the surface. A microphone and speaker allows the
diver to communicate with other divers or with support crew above.
NECK DAM (2). (Used only when drysuit is not used.) Attaches to the bottom of the helmet and creates a watertight seal
against the diver and prevents water from entering the helmet.
DRYSUIT (3). Provides protection for the diver when diving in cold water.
OUTER GARMENT (4). Provides protection for the drysuit, and helps prevent over inflation of the drysuit. It has several
pockets for storing diver weights.
JOCKING HARNESS (5). Secures the helmet assembly to the diver, provides an attachment point for the umbilical and
serves as a further restraint against over inflation-of the drysuit.
UMBILICAL (6). A three line assembly connected between the surface and the diver. It provides communications, air
supply, and depth information.
DIVER COMMUNICATION (7). A manually controlled communication station allows the tender to speak to one or all of
the divers by operating the panel mounted press-to-talk switches.
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