Submarine Escape & Immersion Equipment
bfa Amphiprion
The bfa Amphiprion is an innovative single skinned waterproof submarine escape suit, designed to enable the safe escape from a sunken submarine. Fitted with a Single Seater Liferaft, the suit ensures survivors safe ascent from the disabled submarine and provides protection for the submariner upon reaching the surface. The suit combines a number of unique components, including an inflatbable lifejacket, a flexible ascent hood, a pair of two stage high performance relief valves and an inflation hose with a push fit connector.
The Amphiprion is produced using state of the art production methods such as high frequency and ultrasonic welding. All materials used are high tenacity Nylons coated with hydrolysis resistant compounds such as Butyl or Polyether Urethane or clear Polyether Urethane films.
Our philosophy of maximum product through life has been implemented into every stage of the design phase. The system is designed eliminating the use of any natural fibres as well as the use of Latex or PVC in order to prevent the components from accelerated ageing during stowage in places with high humidity and great differences between the minimum and maximum stowage temperatures.
Immersion Suit
- All fabrics are woven from Polyamide or Polyester fibres and coated with rot proof rubbers or Polyurethane to ensure maximum through life performance of up to 15 years.
- Maximum escape depth of up to 300 meters.
- On the surface the ascent hood can be used as a spray hood. The window is supported and always held clear of the wearer’s mouth and nose.
- The stole provides sufficient buoyancy to keep the wearer afloat with his face and nose at least minimum 120mm clear of the water.
- Lifejacket provides 120 Newton of buoyancy.
- Full self righting capabilities upon breaking the water surface ensuring wearer remains in a safe position with mouth and nose clear of the water.
- One size fits all design with adjustment provisions at waist level and at the ankles.
- Fully waterproof using sealing methods such as Polyurethane coated fabric at the cuffs and a sealing face opening at the Neoprene hood.
- Moulded reinforced soles, accomodating sizes up to European size 48.
- Training unit available.
Single Seater Liferaft
- Robust and durable design. Tried and tested over many years by a number of international Navies and Airforces.
- Inflated with simple pull of a handle.
- Capable of supporting escapee for up to 72 hours.
- Highly visible colours. Buoyancy tube, floor and canopy are fitted with reflective tape in appropriate places and a light in order to increase chances of rescue.
- Fully inflatable floor with insulation properties, increases the protection against hypothermia or heat stress.
- Equipped with a sea anchor which will be automatically deployed upon inflation. Can withstand a nominal load of minimum 75kg without damage.
- Fitted with a light that provides an output of 0,75 candela over a period of 30 hrs.
- Training unit available.
Packing Dimension
Maximum outside dimensions of the valise are 350 x305 x175 mm.
Alternative packing dimensions are available within certain limitations upon customer request, provided the total volume requirements do not change.
Storage of the Suit and Liferaft
The suits, complete with the packed liferaft, are packed in a hermetically sealed pack protecting the content from any influences resulting from exposure to aggressive environments. The material used for the packs is resistant to most liquids, gasses and to humidity. The material consists of a multi-layer film with an aluminium coating, sealed by welding with any surplus air removed from interior before final sealing.
The hermetically sealed packs are stowed in a valise which is fitted with a short handle on one short end allowing carriage by the wearer. The valise is fitted with a quick opening feature consisting of a rip strip and a zipper with a weak link.
