Survitec Unveils Military Grade Inflatable Fast Rescue Boat

Global survival technology leader Survitec announced Sept. 21, 2022, that it has introduced a new lightweight-design inflatable rescue boat capable of rapid single-point inflation to meet the unique demands of waterborne search and rescue operations by emergency services.

The Survitec 420 GP/GPM FR (Fast Rescue) boat was unveiled at the Emergency Services Show in Birmingham, UK.

Based on military-grade technology, the seven-person boat is a 4.22-meter long fast rescue craft that can be rapidly inflated using just one nine-liter self-contained carbon air cylinder. The GPM 420 is lightweight and easily deployed, handled and operated to the criteria of DEFRA.

Typically, inflatable FRBs of this size require a pair of 12-15 liter steel air cylinders to compensate for “lost air” during the inflation process, with full inflation taking about two minutes. The new 420 GP/GPM FR takes just 40 seconds to inflate.

“We have redesigned the manifolds to ensure the optimal amount of air is going to each compartment of the boat to minimize the amount of air expelled though pressure relief valves,” said Scott Tonks, maritime defence category manager, Survitec. “Smaller, fewer cylinders are needed for a more rapid inflation, which significantly increases the speed of deployment, resulting in faster emergency response times, potentially saving more lives.”

Designed for rescues in fast-flowing waters and areas prone to flash flooding, the 420 GP/GPM FR has a maximum payload of 903kg. Manufactured from a durable Hypalon 1670dtex fabric, and benchmarked against SOLAS and DEFRA rescue boat standards, Survitec brings technology inherent to inflatable boats designed for the armed forces to first responders such as fire brigades, river police units and inland waterway rescue services.

Visit www.survitecgroup.com