Defence Security Events

Sustainable British rope innovations on display at IDEX

Posted 20 February 2023

Since pioneering ‘Black Marlow’ rappelling rope in the late 70s and Marlow Fast Rope in the mid 1980s, Hailsham based Marlow Ropes, innovators in the field of rope technology - pioneering the original Fast Rope in conjunction with the British Special Forces - are rolling out their latest sustainably manufactured Fast Rope this week at IDEX in Abu Dhabi.

Above: Fast Ropes are designed to allow up to three personnel at a time to quickly and safely descend from a hovering aircraft, using the friction breaking technique with the hands and feet.
Courtesy Marlow Ropes

The innovative rope manufacturer for high performance synthetic fibre applications has continued to innovate - pushing the boundaries and capabilities of ropemaking whilst sourcing the latest in technical fibre materials. With this combined technical expertise, materials knowledge and understanding of the various defence and military applications worldwide, the UK manufacturer has continued to innovate high strength and low weight safety systems for land, sea and air manoeuvres.

Over the last 50 years, these ropes have been used worldwide by traditional Special Forces and SWAT teams and
Marlow’s Fast Rope range now includes various developments and innovations to meet the needs of military professionals using Marlow’s fast rope products.

Now, in 2023, Marlow have pioneered the first sustainably manufactured Fast Rope using recycled based content (BCF rPA). The new specification has created a strong, firm rope with less elongation. The unique construction of the Marlow Fast Rope allows comfortable control throughout descent and makes it easier to slow down and brake.

The suppleness of the material means that the rope is not hard on the hands as less force is required, plus oil and general spillage do not affect the speed of descent as Marlow Fast Ropes absorb liquid.

SPIE Safety System for Air & Sea Rescue
Marlow will also be showcasing other solutions at IDEX, such as the HMPE fibre SPIE safety system for inserting and extracting up to 12 personnel at a time, which is popular within the aerial rescue and evacuation field thanks to its lightweight and high strength properties.

The lightweight loop system Marlow's newest development in this area - the SPIE WPX is now available for air sea rescue operations, thanks to its lightweight, floating Polysteel construction, whilst the SPIE DPX version offers the same advantages of the regular SPIE system but in higher strength Dyneema D12+.

On the ground, Marlow’s capabilities for manufacturing synthetic fibre rope solutions for lifting, towing and winching operations have benefitted military vehicle recovery operations with light weight, safe and portable solutions.

High Strength Rhino for Safe Military Vehicle Recovery
One such innovation - the RHINO sling is manufactured from high strength, pre-stretched D12 fibre with a Dyneema Chafeguard providing safe, easy handling which enables quick installation and change overs.

Incredibly, at its smallest diameter of 16mm, the Rhino is capable of lifting or towing up to 10 tonnes (the weight
of a lightweight tank such as the AMX-13). Whilst at its largest diameter of 94mm, the Rhino is capable of lifting
or towing up to 300 tonnes (the weight of a Boeing 747).

Whichever diameter or weight preference required, the innovative design allows for shorter lengths without compromising strength or performance, ensuring easy transportation and portability.

Marlow’s Defence Sales Director Richard Edge commented: “These developments and enhancements to Marlow's Defence range benefit from being tried and tested by Forces around the world. The invaluable feedback and testing we receive from our friends and colleagues in service enable us to make improvements and additions quickly so that our technical fibre rope solutions are fit for purpose and operation ready.”