Advanced Aircrew Personnel Lowering Device

This proposal addresses the need for a modern aircrew personnel lowering device (PLD) to help parachutists extricate themselves from trees or other elevated obstructions. The existing PLD design is over three decades old and is large, cumbersome, difficult to use and has significant thermal control issues. A more compact and streamlined device is desired as a future replacement. Creare proposes to develop a new PLD that uses a small, high-strength cord, a friction device that operates independent of the cord, and a novel thermal management approach. In Phase I, we demonstrated a prototype device that incorporates these features and meets the ultimate goals for packaging and ease of use. In Phase II, we will: (1) refine the prototype system; (2) work with our commercialization partner to develop a manufacturing design; (3) evaluate the device with the Air Force; (4) develop packaging concepts; and (5) produce preliminary documentation for training and service.