Airborne Tactical Extraction Platform under consideration

The UK Ministry of Defence is considering the Airborne Tactical Extraction Platform among possible capabilities for future helicopter operations, following a parliamentary question covering tactical extraction and search and rescue. The commercial AirTEP made by Escape International is a collapsible platform lowered beneath a helicopter on a 25m rope, accommodating up to 10 people. Published specifications give a packed weight of 53kg, maximum load of 1,500kg and maximum indicated speed of 100 knots. The minister confirmed consideration within ongoing requirements reviews but announced no platform selection, aircraft integration programme, procurement quantity, budget or delivery schedule.