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Please Click on the Triangular Play button in the lower left corner of the video box below to view our Corporate Video;
RFD AeroLite Liferafts
Our AeroLite series is ISO 9001 certified and fully FAA, CAA, and JAR145 approved. They feature the highest technology for low weight and bulk and are available in numerous stowages which include valise and hard canister packs. Polyurethane fabric construction and UHF welding techniques provide superior durability.
The special Inflatable Boarding Ramp gives all survivors the best and most efficient method of boarding the liferaft with the least amount of effort. Tests have shown that people who are injured, or simply of average physical abilities, do best with an inflatable boarding aid. This design has been proven to work even in the harshest of sea conditions - saving the lives of passengers and pilots in the North sea and elsewhere in the world. This inflatable boarding ramp is the same design that used by the U.S Coast Guard for rescue operations.
Remember, if you can't get in the life raft, it can't help save your life!
"A boarding ramp provides an easier method of entry into an inflated liferaft from the water's surface than a ladder fabricated from flat web material or line. Inflatable liferafts that include a boarding ramp that has properly inflated provide less of a barrier to the castaway when entering the raft from the surface of the water. The subsequent conservation of strength by requiring less effort to enter the raft is a significant contribution to the castaway's ability to perform other tasks necessary to survive the event and to physically recover after being rescued." Thomas C. Lazzaro, Training Manager, Survival Systems Training Inc.
"In our travels we have had the opportunity to use many different models of liferafts. Although they have all been "approved", it is my experience that rafts with boarding platforms are far superior to rafts without. Without the platform I fear there is a large portion of potential survivors who may not be able to get themselves in to a raft from the water." - Anthony Palmiotti, Director of Continuing Education, SUNY Maritime College
The ballast pocket system is based on actual research by the National Maritime Institute as well as tests required by the international maritime authorities for use on S.O.L.A.S. (Safety of Life at Sea) and U.S. Coast Guard approved inflatable life rafts. Our design is not based on guess work, but on actual use by survivors in real world situations. OUR RAFTS HAVE SAVED MORE LIVES THAN ANY OTHER U.S. MADE AVIATION LIFE RAFT! Our life rafts also use an equipment bag because it has been found that in rough sea states, you do not want to be leaning your back on anything hard in very cramped conditions. By tying the bag onto the raft, the equipment can be kept in a convenient position with the least interference with the survivor's comfort. However, it is still readily available for use when necessary.
Our top quality Polyurethane fabric has been shown to be far more durable than other types of fabrics in all kinds of adverse conditions. Polyurethane fabric has been approved by the FAA and CAA, and by the U.S. Coast Guard. Polyurethane fabric provides superior resistance to abrasion, catalytic oxidation, harsh marine environments, mold attack and ozone. Polyurethane is a thermoplastic material which is inherently tough. There are no additives present, such as in neoprene fabric, which can migrate out of the material over time, causing porosity, stiffness and ultimately failure as the material ages. Polyurethane's inherent resistance to physical or chemical damage means that there is less repairs required during periodic servicing, ensuring a longer service life. In short, because of its superior properties, Polyurethane fabrics have quickly been replacing the outdated rubber based fabrics for use on all inflatable products for the commercial marine and aerospace markets throughout the world.
Double buoyancy chambers are manufactured from a specifically formulated polyurethane (PU) proofed nylon fabric. This fabric is highly resistant to abrasion and impervious to corrosion in the marine environment. Far more durable than rubber-based fabrics, the reduced need for repairs results in considerable savings in servicing costs. Welded seams, significantly stronger than glued seams, give the raft an extremely rugged construction.
The Aerolite Series advanced stability system is achieved by rapidly deploying, high volume water pockets on the underside of the floor which stabilizes the raft even when itís empty. The increased strength and efficiency of the uniquely designed anti-tangle sea anchor, and the aero-dynamics of the canopy, help keep the raft on the water. A righting strap on the underside of the floor assists in righting the raft should inverted deployment occur in extreme conditions. A wide variety of valise and hard packed stowage sizes are available.
All Aerolite liferafts come equipped with a manually inflatable floor for additional protection against hypothermia. For optimum visibility, the Aeroliteís bright yellow canopy incorporates retro-reflective strips. The dry cell automatic sea light meets the SOLAS 2-mile visibility requirement and exceeds the recommended life duration of 12 hours. To conserve energy, the light can be switched off during the day. Equipment Pack's are included with all our RFD aviation liferafts. The FAR-91 Equipment Pack is show above on the far left photo; and FAR-135 equipment pack is shown above on the far right photo.
Weights and Dimensions
Liferaft Model
(Type 1)Equipment
PackRated Capacity
Overload Capacity
Packed Weight
(lbs.)Sample Packed
Dimensions
(Valise or Hard Pack)Aerolite 4
FAR-91
4
6
39.5
17.75" x 14.5" x 9"
Aerolite 4
FAR-135
4
6
44
17.75" x 14.5" x 10.5"
Aerolite 5
FAR-91
5
7
41.6
17.75" x 14.5" x 9"
Aerolite 5
FAR-135
5
7
46.5
31" x 17" x 8.5"
Aerolite 6
FAR-91
6
9
51
31" x 17" x 8.5"
Aerolite 6
FAR-135
6
9
57.5
34" x 16.5" x 9.5"
Aerolite 10
FAR-91
11
17
57.5
33" x 18" x 9"
Aerolite 10
FAR-135
11
17
66.8
33" x 18" x 9.5"
- RFD AeroLite 4 Person Deluxe Liferaft.
Special!......... $ 5,579*- RFD AeroLite 5 Person Deluxe Liferaft.
Special!......... $ 5,879*- RFD AeroLite 6 Person Deluxe Liferaft.
Special!......... $ 6,079*- RFD AeroLite 10+ Person Deluxe Liferaft.
Special!......... $ 6,879*
Click Here to Order*All systems are FAR-91 Certified. Add $100 to each liferaft for FAR-135 Certification and upgrade to FAR-135 Equipment Pack.
SWITLIK LIFE RAFTS
Eastern Avionics International - APG and our sister company Aviator Depot carries the entire line of Switlik Life Rafts. 8-25 person capacities are available with accessory packs customized to your requirements. These life rafts are manufactured of the finest urethane coated nylon materials. Switlik life rafts are unique in that the nylon is coated with urethane on both sides providing maximum air holding properties. Call us with your specific requirements.
| CAPACITY | PRICE |
| 8 | $6745.00 |
| 10 | $6895.00 |
| 15 | $7595.00 |
| 20 | $8375.00 |
| 25 | $8725.00 |
Switlik Features and Specifications
| STANDARD FEATURES : Insulating double wall canopy Insulating Heat Sealed Inflatable Floor Painter/Static Line (Length, 130 ft.) CO2 Inflation System Sea Anchor(Automatically Deployed) Painter/Static Line Attachment Point (1700 lbs. test) (6-10 Person Capacity) (3,000 lbs. test) (15-25 Person Capacity) Righting Strap Lifelines (Inner) Lifelines (Outer) Floating/Heaving Line (Length, 100 ft.) Exterior Locator Light Interior Light Rain Water Collector Floating Knife Pressure Relief Valves Large Rectangular Ballast Pockets Waterproof Equipment Bag Retro-Reflective Tape Boarding Ladder Rigid Boarding Step Boarding Handholds Static Line Weak Link Two Canopy Support Arches Heat Sealed Urethane Buoyancy Chambers USCG Approved Hydrostatic Release Manual Topping Off Valves Double Layer Storm Doors Raft Use Instructions Hand Laid Fiberglass Container Anodized Aluminum Deck Mounting Cradle (Flat Container) Galvanized Steel Deck Mounting Cradle (Round Container) OPTIONAL FEATURE: Insulating "Drop-Stitch" Inflatable Floor |
STANDARD EQUIPMENT: Individual Thermal Protective Aids (2 ea.) Paddles Manual Inflation/Bilge Pump Repair Clamps (6 ea.) Adhesive & Patch Repair Kit Pressure Relief Valve Plugs SOLAS "B" EQUIPMENT: Standard Equipment Plus: Waterproof Flashlight Spare Flashlight Bulb Spare Flashlight "D" Cell Batteries (3 ea.) Sponges (2 ea.) Bailer (15-25 Person Capacity - 2 ea.) USCG/SOLAS Parachute Distress Signals (2 ea.) USCG/SOLAS Red Handheld Distress Signals (2 ea.) USCG/SOLAS Smoke Signal Seasick Bags (1 Per Person) Water Storage Bag Thermal Protective Aid (15-25 Person Capacity - 2 ea.) Signal Mirror First Aid Kit Signaling Whistle Anti-Seasickness Pills (6 Per Person) Spare Sea Anchor SOLAS "A" EQUIPMENT: All Standard Equipment & SOLAS "B" Equipment Plus: Graduated Drinking Cup Drinking Water (6-20 Person Capacity - 1½ Liters Per Person) (25 Person Capacity - 1 Liter Per Person + Water Maker) Food Ration (10 Kilo-Joules Per Person) Can Opener Fishing Kit USCG/SOLAS Parachute Distress Signals (2 Add'l) USCG/SOLAS Red Handheld Distress Signals (2 Add'l) USCG/SOLAS Smoke Signal (1 Add'l) |
The Pains-Wessex FastFind and Fastfind"Plus" are the newest and smallest personal ELT's on the market. The FastFind provides a global alert to COSPAS-SARSAT satellites transmitting on the new 406.028 MHz receive frequency and local alert on 121.5 Mhz. Alert time is about 45 minutes, positional accuracy is within 3 nautical miles and positional updates are every 20 minutes. The top-of-the-line FastFind "PLUS" adds an internal "GPS" receiver that transmits your actual position to search and rescue. Alert time is reduced to less than 3 minutes, and positional accuracy improves to 100 ft. Both systems come complete with lanyard, wrist strap, and user replaceable battery pack. Weighs only 9 ounces!
- PAINS-WESSEX FASTFIND PORTABLE ELT E.P.I.R.B.
Reg........ $ 995 ...... Special!........ $ 589- PAINS-WESSEX FASTFIND PORTABLE ELT E.P.I.R.B.WITH INTERNAL GPS
Reg........ $ 1,195 ... Special!........ $ 889
Click Here to Order
* The McMurdo Fastfind PLB was the Top Performer During the Vermont Emergency Response System Check!*
In a recent system check of the Personal Locator Beacon Emergency Response System in Vermont, the McMurdo Fastfind Plus PLB turned in the best performance among the PLBs tested in terms of time needed to fix on the target and locate the beacon. McMurdo is a leading manufacturer of Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs). In early August 2004, a complete system check of the Vermont segment of the U.S National Personal Locator Beacon Emergency Response System was conducted by the state of Vermont in cooperation with the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), and manufacturers of PLBs and related tracking equipment. The US National PLB plan is being implemented on a state-bystate basis and Vermont is the first to come on line. This system check was an opportunity to test all the facets of the system from the activation of a PLB and the automated alert processing through the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system and mission control center to the AFRCC and ultimately to search and rescue personnel on the ground. The test involved two teams who were deployed to remote locations around Waterbury, Vt. One team carried the McMurdo Fastfind Plus PLB and the second team carried the ACR TerraFix PLB. Each team activated their PLB and waited for a Vermont State Patrol response team to locate them. The McMurdo team activated their PLB at 9:45 am and acquired a GPS fix in 1 minute, 19 seconds. The Fastfind Plus recorded a ìhitî on the NOAA geo-stationary satellite and was received by the mobile command post at 9:49 am. This signal had the GPS location coordinates encoded into the signal and the rescue response team was notified. Within a minute, the response team had picked up the 121.5 MHz homing signal from the Fastfind Plus. At 10:00 am, the position of the McMurdo team was confirmed and the response team was dispatched at 10.20 am. Once they arrived at the general location, the Vermont State Troopers used directionfinding equipment to follow the Fastfind Plus homing signal. Fifteen minutes later at 10:42 am, the search and rescue team found the McMurdo PLB in a small clearing surrounded by trees. Total rescue time from the first alert received was 53 minutes. The ACR team, using its new TerraFix 406 PLB, which it is understood had not been granted approval by the FCC at the time of testing, activated their beacon at 8:45 am. The ACR PLB recorded a hit on the NOAA geo-stationary satellite at 8:50 am but the signal did not include any GPS data in the transmission. When GPS data is unavailable, search and rescue personal are not sent out until a position has been confirmed using the Doppler processing method. During this test, the ACR team had to wait for the next pass of the low earth orbiting satellite at 9:24 am. The ACR PLB recorded a ìhitî on the low earth satellite at 9:26 am and the Doppler position was determined at 9:45 am. The rescue response team was dispatched at 9:55 am with its direction-finding equipment. The team was unable to pick up the homing signal from the ACR TerraFix at the testing headquarters. However, they did pick it up nearer the reported beacon location, but an hour later they were still searching. The ACR PLB was finally located at 11:46 am in a wooded area with significant tree canopy. Total rescue time from the first alert received was 2 hours and 56 minutes, 2 hours and 3 minutes more than for the McMurdo PLB. The units were tested again later that day at the testing headquarters. With a full 360- degree view of the sky, the ACR failed to acquire a GPS fix within 45 minutes. During the same retest, under the same conditions, the McMurdo Fastfind Plus acquired a GPS fix in 1 minute, 15 seconds. About the Fastfind Plus PLB When activated in an emergency, the Fastfind Plus transmits a satellite distress signal to geo-stationary and low earth orbit COSPAS-SARSAT satellites, providing worldwide coverage. The signal is then routed through the AFRCC to the relevant search and rescue authority. With its built-in GPS, the Fastfind is totally self-contained and eliminates the need for any external plug-in connections or additional add-on equipment. The GPS data can provide search and rescue personnel with LAT/LON information. To further assist rescue personnel, the Fastfind Plus transmits a 121.5 MHz homing frequency. It also transmits its unique ID number, which can be matched to the user through registration.
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and the latest pricing!
Phone: (941) 637-8585
Prices are subject to change without notice.
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APG EASTERN AVIONICS
Charlotte County Airport, 28000-A12 Airport Road
Punta Gorda, Florida 33982 USA
If you are in Southwest Florida,
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Phone: (941) 637-8585
24 Hour FAX: (941) 637-0388
ORDERS ONLY: (800) 628-2667
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