Honeywell announced that rope using it’s super-strength, lightweight Spectra® fiber is being used by the U.S. military in fast rope insertion operations.
Spectra fiber is a key component of Novabraid™ Fast Rope, a high-performance rope made by Canada-based Novatec Braids Ltd. and currently being used on the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. Military personnel use the rope to safely and quickly descend from the aircraft. Spectra fiber allows the rope to maintain the 30,000 pound tensile strength needed to maintain safe operations.
The new Novabraid Fast Rope containing Spectra fiber hangs under the aircraft and is designed to remain still so military personnel can descend safely with fully loaded packs from as high as 90 feet.
Spectra fiber has been used in military applications for more than 20 years. The material provides lightweight bullet resistance in personal armor including vests, breastplates and helmets, as well as in armor for vehicles and aircraft. Armor containing Spectra currently protects soldiers around the world in combat situations, including Iraq and Afghanistan. It has also been used in the U.S. Navy’s mooring ropes.
Pound for pound, Spectra fiber is 15 times stronger than steel and is one of the world’s strongest and lightest fibers.
For more information, read the press release.
