ARPRO® helps save lives

JSP, the leading supplier of ARPRO has helped search and rescue (SAR) systems specialist Escape International develop a unique collapsible airborne personnel platform with both civil and military applications. ARPRO was chosen for its energy absorption and flotation capabilities, and JSP for its proactive approach to new application development and problem solving.

Escape International supplies airborne platforms for inserting, extracting, recovering and rescuing people. Unique engineering challenges in this case included system weight had to be below 50kg, for a carrying capacity of 1,500kg (more than ten people); foldability and therefore space saving; and the ability to withstand a wide range of environmental conditions for a 15 year lifespan.

Escape International’s two primary products AirTEP, for Military Applications and NARWAL for SAR applications, use the properties of ARPRO to protect the rescue device from ground impact, withstand a wide range temperature range (-30 to 50°C) while also being resistant to aggressive liquids such as acid and salt water.

“Escape International were looking for a versatile material that addressed the demanding functional criteria. In ARPRO, they found the perfect solution,” explains Paul Compton, JSP’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (Europe). “JSP turned the demanding functional requirements set by Escape International into technical and material requirements. and produced prototypes. We believe an ideal combination has been found for SAR applications the world over.”

“Escape International found JSP to be a highly proactive company, prompt to suggest improvement and to provide technical information and answers,” explains Eric Lamotte, Development Director for Escape International. “Furthermore, JSP was enthusiastic about the challenge from the first step and was unstinting in its involvement and commitment.”

ARPRO is certified for material resistance in harsh conditions to GAM EG 13 (dry and damp temperature, saline environment).

ARPRO provides a unique combination of material properties, making it ideal for use in a wide range of products, from furniture to automotive components. JSP is expert at tailoring ARPRO for specific applications, where the expanded polypropylene can reduce mass without jeopardising structural rigidity; withstand multiple impacts without significant deformation and return to its original shape following dynamic stress.

Escape International AirTEP fast, safe airborne helicopter extraction relies on ARPRO® for lightweight impact protection.

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