Elbit Systems UK’s EPLB achieves COSPAS-SARSAT accreditation
Elbit Systems UK’s Emergency Personal Locator Beacon (EPLB) has become the first man-mounted personal locator beacon to achieve internationally recognised accreditation (COSPAS-SARSAT) for unassisted operation in water, and as such, has now entered service with the Royal Air Force (RAF).
Following a series of successful operational evaluation trails with the Ministry of Defence (MOD), Elbit Systems UK’s Emergency Personal Locator Beacon (EPLB) has become the first man-mounted personal locator beacon to achieve internationally recognised accreditation (COSPAS-SARSAT) for unassisted operation in water, and as such, has now entered service with the Royal Air Force (RAF).
Should aircraft personnel find themselves in need of rescue in the event of an accident, the EPLB will deliver emergency alerts to the international search and rescue satellite network, and send homing signals to local SAR teams, enabling a quick rescue mission and increased chances of survival.
The EPLB is operable in all weather conditions and a range of temperatures, for a minimum of 24 hours, across land and sea. Thanks to its unassisted operation, even an unconscious pilot can be detected, and another ingenious facet of the EPLB is that it combines two different technologies within one product, negating the need for aircrew to carry two separate pieces of equipment.
The new product can be fitted to a range of aircraft, including fast jets, helicopters and transport aircraft, and has been intensively tested in the UK and internationally – it is currently in use with several different Armed Forces.
Martin Fausset, CEO of Elbit Systems UK, said: “Elbit Systems UK is committed to protecting and supporting the Armed Forces, here and around the world, with the best equipment and technologies available. We are proud that our pioneering EPLB has been chosen to safeguard RAF pilots, an example of how innovative but proven technology can be transferred to the UK and customised for specific UK requirements”.