MK45 Rotary Wing Life Preserver

Optimised Protection and Flexibility for Rotary Wing and Transport Aircrew

The MK45 Rotary Wing Life Preserver is a highly flexible and protective garment, designed specifically for use in rotary wing and transport aircraft. This sleeveless garment consists of a waistcoat, a detachable flotation assembly, and a storage pouch. Its advanced design ensures that when the flotation assembly is inflated, it adapts to the wearer’s body, providing optimal flotation and maintaining the correct angle in water to support survival.

Constructed from flame-retardant materials and equipped with multiple pockets for operational equipment, the MK45 delivers maximum protection, versatility, and comfort, enabling aircrew to focus on their mission with confidence.

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

Enhanced Safety in Water Emergencies:
The inflatable stole ensures that aircrew are supported in the water, providing critical flotation and maintaining the correct angle to reduce fatigue while awaiting rescue.

Fire-Resistant Protection:
The flame-retardant construction offers an added layer of protection in the event of a fire, safeguarding aircrew in high-risk scenarios.

Operational Versatility:
The multiple pockets allow aircrew to carry essential equipment and survival aids, ensuring readiness for any situation during flight or in an emergency.

Easy Rescue Operations:
The lifting brackets make it easier for rescuers to recover the wearer from the water, enhancing the overall safety of the operation.

Training and Operational Flexibility:
Available in both operational and non-operational variants, the MK45 can be used in training environments without the need for mission-ready equipment.

Platform Compatibility
The MK45 Rotary Wing Life Preserver is suitable for a wide range of rotary wing and transport aircraft, ensuring operational readiness across multiple platforms:

Rotary-Wing Platforms
Transport Aircraft

Key Features

Flame-Retardant Construction:
Built from flame-retardant materials, the MK45 provides additional protection in the event of an emergency, ensuring the wearer is safeguarded in high-risk situations.

Inflatable Stole for Optimal Floatation:
The inflatable stole adapts to the wearer’s body, offering essential flotation support and maintaining the correct angle to ensure safety during water emergencies.

Internal and External Pockets:
Designed with pockets for carrying operationally specific equipment such as STASS, PBL, and survival aids, providing aircrew with easy access to critical gear.

Lifting Brackets for Rescue:
Fitted with lifting brackets as standard, allowing for quicker and easier rescue operations in emergency situations.

Operational and Non-Operational Variants:
The MK45 is available in both operational and non-operational versions, making it suitable for both mission deployment and training exercises.

Technical Specification

Flotation System:	Detachable flotation assembly with inflatable stole
Material:	Flame-retardant fabric for enhanced safety
Pockets:	Internal and external pockets for mission-critical equipment
Rescue Features:	Lifting brackets for easy recovery
Variants:	Supplied as operational or non-operational (training)
Compatibility:	Suitable for rotary wing and transport aircraft platforms

Information Downloads

Technical Datasheet

Do you have question?

Talk to a product specialist

MK40/41 Fast Jet Life Preserver

To learn more about the MK40/41 Fast Jet Life Preserver and how it can enhance pilot safety and operational 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