The bfa Solandri is a double layer water proof immersion suit with twin inflatable insulation chambers. Designed to enable a free ascent from a stricken submarine and to provide protection for the submariner upon reaching the surface, each garment has been developed using modern anthropometric methodologies to ensure maximum comfort and performance. Employing the very latest developments in materials, process technology and product design, each suit is manufactured from technical textile using state of the art production methods. All materials used are high tenacity nylons coated with hydrolysis resistant compounds such as butyl or polyether urethane or clear polyether urethane films. Consisting of three main components, the Solandri is made up of an ascent hood, an inflatable lifejacket and an inflatable suit fitted with polyurethane wrist seals, reinforced soles, foot and ankle straps, a leg pocket and neoprene gloves.

The Solandri comes from a long heritage of innovation within SEIE as a direct evolution of the SPES MK 3, a time honored design employed by a number of the world’s navies for over 15 years. This STANAG approved design took a number of current suits and made significant improvements to both performance and comfort making it the number one choice suit for SEIE. This ethos has been passed to the next generation Solandri with important advancements such as improved maintenance and handling, larger transparent viewing panel in the ascend hood, hermetically sealed and shock absorbent packing and a combined ascending hood/splash guard.

Inflatable lifejacket

• Protects breast and neck, attaches to the suit around its circumference. Comes with watertight zip which is used to make the suit watertight.
• Complies with the 100 Newton Lifejacket Standard EN 395, offering 120 Newton of buoyancy.
• At the surface, stole relief value can be manually set to a higher relief pressure to cope with movements of the survivor and the waves.
• Two individual mechanisms used to inflate insulation chambers, operated by one single pull.

Inflatable suit

• Advanced garment construction, eliminates the use of natural fibres as well as Latex or PVC to prevent the components from accelerated ageing during stowage.
• Double layered airtight material constructed using high frequency welding.
• Inflatable back chamber comprising an inflatable head rest supports the wearer’s head above the water (SPES MK 3 only).
• When inflated a quilted effect is achieved which offers insulation to feet, legs, body, arms and head.
• Adjustment tapes at ankles and legs ensure a tight fit to ease walking and to avoid snagging.
• Polyurethane wrist seals and moulded reinforced soles designed for maximum through life performance.

Ascent hood

• Fully water tight at escape depths of over 200 metres during pressurisation.
• Manufactured from Polyurethane material for a maximum lifetime even in extreme climatic environments and under high pressures.
• Can be used as a spray hood on the surface. Provides a level of support to keep the hood clear of the wearers face.

Dimensions and Weights

Packed dimensions of Solandri: approx. 350 x 340 x 150mm
Weight of Solandri: approx. 6,7 kg

Accessories

• Insulation mitts Optional extra stowed in dedicated arm pockets (SPES MK 3 only).
• Inflatable muffler - Optional for hand insulation stowed in leg pocket of suit.
• Water-activated light - Active for 12 hours, provides an output of 0,3 cd.
• Nose clip - Attached using a lanyard to the top end of the main zipper of the suit.
• Goggles and anti glare visor - Can be supplied on request as optional items.
• Radio pocket - Option to attach a pocket for the emergency radio.
• Reflective tape - Attached to the suit to improve detection during night.
• Buddy line - Attached to the left upper arm where it is stowed in a pocket with a rip strip. Enables survivors to stay together.
• Whistle - Secured by a cord to the left side of the inflatable lifejacket.

Storage

The suit is packed in a hermetically sealed pack protecting the content from any influences resulting from exposure to extreme 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 aluminum coating sealed by welding with any surplus air removed from its 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 for 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.

For more information on the bfa Solandri click here to download the brochure.