SARPAL
Search and Rescue – Portable, Air Launched

In late 1998 we were contacted by International Submarine Engineering to participate in the development (proof of concept) of an air drop remote controllable/ autonomous marine rescue vehicle. Such vehicles would be used in extreme or hazardous rescue situations where conventional liferafts with personnel (SARTech) would be exposed to unnecessary risk. The vehicle is outfitted with an all weather hood, power to maintain 4 knots for 24 hours and sufficient storage to sustain 6 to 8 persons for several days. Control would be from the aircraft, another ship, or from shore via satellite link. The SARPAL could be transferred to autonomous mode to search or stay on station, follow a search pattern or traverse to a new location such as a rescue ship. To aid in this function the SARPal is fitted with a command and control system, radios, compass, GPS, plus color and thermal imaging cameras.

For more information about SARPAL or ISE and its other projects please go to the ISE website.

Obprofile1 Profile drawing of SARPAL in SAR mode.

Two units being outfitted in the shop.

Airdrop: SARPAL vehicle delivered by a CC-130 Hercules.

Seatrial: Vehicle testing & evaluation by a SARTech.