Combat Helicopter Life Preserver

Fully Modular Protection System for Rotary Wing Operations

The Combat Helicopter Life Preserver is an advanced load carriage and protection (LCP) system, specifically designed for aircrew operating rotary-wing aircraft in warm climate and sand environments. The Combat Helicopter Life Preserver provides a fully modular aircrew protective system, optimised for thermal comfort, ergonomic protection, and intelligent flotation. Featuring a customisable waistcoat with bespoke pocket configurations, the Combat Helicopter Life Preserver ensures that critical survival equipment and mission aids are easily accessible.

Equipped to carry vital equipment such as the Short-Term Air Supply System (STASS), weapons, ammunition, and survival aids, the Combat Helicopter Life Preserver is designed to accommodate front and rear soft and hard armour while providing multiple buoyancy options to meet the demands of combat operations.

Performance

Designed for speed, agility and control, our solutions excel under the extreme demands of fast jet flight. By reducing pilot fatigue and supporting physical resilience, we enable greater endurance in high-intensity missions, helping ensure sustained performance and mission success, even in the most challenging conditions.

Innovation

We’re shaping the future of fast jet capability through next-generation innovation. From cutting-edge material sciences to advanced G-protection system architectures, our solutions are designed to enhance pilot performance and survivability. Innovative textiles and smart integration elevate protection and efficiency, setting new standards for the cockpit and beyond.

Protection

Protection in fast jet environments demands intelligent integration. Our systems are designed to safeguard pilots against thermal extremes, high-G forces and operational hazards. From cockpit survivability to environmental resilience, every element is engineered to preserve capability when it matters most.

Product Benefits

Customisable for Mission Needs:
The CBLP’s modular pocket system allows aircrew to adapt their life preserver to specific mission profiles, ensuring that all critical equipment is accessible and organised.

Ballistic Protection in Combat Environments:
With integrated hard and soft armour options, the CBLP provides essential protection from small arms fire, safeguarding aircrew in hostile environments.

Enhanced Comfort and Flotation:
The lightweight and ergonomic design ensures aircrew can move freely in the cockpit, while the inflatable stole provides the flotation needed for survival in water emergencies.

Optimised for Combat and Rescue:
The CBLP is designed for use in warm climates and combat scenarios, providing essential protection, flotation, and mobility while ensuring quick recovery in rescue operations.

Platform Compatibility:
The Combat Helicopter Life Preserver (CBLP) is suitable for use on a wide range of rotary wing aircraft, ensuring operational readiness for both front and rear aircrew members:

Rotary-Wing Platforms
Combat Helicopter Operations

Key Features

Modular Pocket Configuration:
The Combat Helicopter Life Preserver features a patented modular attachment system and webbing, allowing for customised pocket configurations to meet individual mission and operational requirements.

Armour Protection:
Capable of integrating soft and hard armour to protect front and rear crew members from ballistic threats. Optional hard armour plates provide protection up to NIJ Level IV, ensuring maximum safety in combat environments.

Slim, Detachable Inflatable Stole:
The Combat Helicopter Life Preserver includes a slim, low-profile inflatable stole, providing buoyancy up to 150N. The stole is designed to minimise bulk while offering essential flotation in emergency situations.

Mission-Critical Equipment Integration:
The Combat Helicopter Life Preserver accommodates key equipment, including STASS, weapons, ammunition, survival aids, beacons, and other mission-critical items, ensuring aircrew are well-prepared for any situation.

Thermal Comfort and Ergonomics:
Designed for warm climates, the Combat Helicopter Life Preserver ensures aircrew remain comfortable during extended operations. The waistcoat’s design focuses on reducing thermal burden while maintaining full mobility.

Fall Arrest and Grab Handles:
The system includes crotch straps and leg constraints to ensure retention during ‘fallout’ or ditching, as well as grab handles to assist in rescuing the wearer into liferafts or boats.

Technical Specification

Colours:	Available in Desert Sand, Sage Green, and Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM)
Buoyancy Rating:	Up to 150N with a detachable inflatable stole
Temperature Range:	Operates between -20°C to +70°C
Self-Righting:	Achieves self-righting in 5 seconds in all water conditions
Weight:	Approx. 2 kg
Armour Options - Hard Armour Plates:	NIJ Level IV
Armour Options - Soft Armour:	Optional Kevlar integration for enhanced protection
Pockets:	Modular storage for essential survival equipment
Inflation Mechanism:	Manual inflation with oral top-up, light, and battery facility
Rescue Features:	Equipped with lifting becket and buddy line for rescue operations

Information Downloads

Brochure

Do you have question?

Talk to a product specialist

Heliraft

To learn more about the Heliraft and how it can enhance aircrew safety and combat performance, contact us today for a consultation or to arrange a product demonstration.

View Product

Events Calendar

4 - 6th November

9 – 12 March 2026

3 – 8 February 2026

4th - 6th November

Latest News

Redefining Air Superiority: Beaufort Brings the Future of Aircrew Equipment to the F-35

Beaufort, the market leader in pilot flight equipment, has secured a landmark set of contracts with Lockheed Martin on the

Beaufort Invests to Fast-Track Innovation and Bring Next-Gen Protection to Today’s Platforms

Beaufort is making a bold new wave of investment in its UK Engineering Centre of Excellence, strengthening the nation’s defence

Capitol Meridian Partners & Stellex Capital Management to Acquire Beaufort, the Aerospace & Defense Survival Equipment Division of Survitec

Survitec, a global provider of Survival Technology, has agreed to sell its aerospace and defense division, Beaufort, in a carve-out

Do you have a question?

Talk to a product specialist

We’re advancing the future of defence and aerospace with next-generation solutions that deliver uncompromising protection and performance across air, land, and sea.

Other Beaufort Brands

Useful Links