High hopes for DSEi location balloon

A new location marker balloon which can help soldiers get rescued quickly is predicted to catch the eye of visitors at this year’s DSEi (Defence and Security Equipment International) Show, in London’s ExCel Exhibition Centre (13-16 September).

UK-based survival equipment specialists, BCB International Ltd, have developed a portable Location Marker Balloon to help downed pilots and compromised forces operating in jungle environments get rescued quickly and efficiently.  The system uses compressed gas which is stored in a lightweight carbon fibre cylinder and fills a bright orange balloon which can punch through the canopy of the jungle. The Balloon features chemical snap light type lights for night time operation.  The rate of the balloon’s ascent is controlled by a high tensile strength string handled by the soldier.  

Will Hocking, BCB International’s R&D Manager said: "The Location Marker Balloon is a lifeline for any aircrews and dismounted forces operating in a jungle environment because when disaster strikes the balloon ensures that they can be rescued quickly, efficiently and more discreetly than alternatives.

“Unlike radios, the balloon is not dependent on batteries and because it hovers above the jungle canopy means that it can’t be seen and heard by the enemy on the ground.”

BCB will be exhibiting its range of products at stand N7-100 in the ExCel Exhibition Centre, London

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Pictured: BCB’s location marker balloon.

For over 50 years, BCB have designed and manufactured a wide range of quality survival equipment for the military.  Their excellence has been recognised through two Queen’s Awards for Export Achievement as well as the acclaimed Wales Innovation Award 2010.
 
BCB is approved to ISO 9001:2008 International Quality Standard.