Crew/Load Master Vest

Versatile Survival for Rotary and Fixed Wing Aircrew

Enhanced Protection and Versatility for Rotary and Fixed-Wing Aircrew

The Crew/Loadmaster Vest is designed to protect aircrew operating on both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, offering critical flotation and mobility in emergency situations at sea. Engineered with an inflatable stole, the vest provides superior buoyancy when inflated, ensuring the wearer is automatically turned onto their back and stabilised in the water. This essential life-saving feature guarantees the wearer’s nose and mouth remain above the water’s surface, providing critical head support while awaiting rescue.

With its flexible design, the Crew/Loadmaster Vest also allows for the carrying of survival, rescue equipment, and a pistol, making it a versatile garment for demanding operational environments.

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

Survival Confidence at Sea:
Automatic inflation keeps aircrew stable, supported, and breathing safely until rescue.

Unrestricted Mission Performance:
Lightweight, ergonomic design delivers freedom of movement in the cockpit and during emergencies.

Multi-Role Versatility:
Configured to carry mission-critical survival and rescue gear, plus a sidearm when required.

Sustained Endurance:
Built-in head support reduces fatigue and ensures long-lasting protection in water.

Cross-Platform Readiness:
Compatible with both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, ensuring protection across diverse missions.

Key Features

Reliable Water Survival:
The vest offers essential flotation, automatically turning the wearer into a safe, stable position to keep their airway clear while awaiting rescue.

Enhanced Mobility and Comfort:
Lightweight and flexible, the Crew/Loadmaster Vest ensures aircrew can move freely both in the air and during rescue operations, maintaining comfort over long missions.

Versatile and Adaptable:
With the ability to carry equipment such as survival gear and a pistol, the vest meets the unique demands of both rotary and fixed-wing aircrew, providing maximum flexibility.

Critical Head Support:
The inflatable stole ensures that once inflated, the wearer’s head remains supported, reducing the risk of fatigue or water inhalation in emergency situations.

Platform Compatibility:
The Crew/Loadmaster Vest is suitable for a wide range of aircraft platforms, including: Rotary-Wing Platforms & Fixed-Wing Platforms

Technical Specification

Flotation System:	Inflatable stole providing critical buoyancy
Buoyancy Rating:	Designed to keep the wearer’s nose and mouth above the waterline
Weight:	Lightweight design for operational comfort
Compatibility:	Suitable for both rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircrew
Carry Capacity:	Equipped to carry survival and rescue equipment, as well as a pistol
Material:	Durable, water-resistant fabric for long-term reliability

Information Downloads

Technical Datasheet

Do you have question?

Talk to a product specialist

Airpex Protector Aircrew Life Preserver

To learn more about the Airpex Protector Aircrew Life Preserver and how it can improve pilot safety and 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