Every day, rescue teams and tactical mountaineers are handling difficult, perilous terrain where setting up traditional anchors is impossible. Helix were tasked with creating a specialised solution for these operators, creating an anchor from the ground. This led to the birth of the Helix Dragon Claw.
DMM Talon
DMM's first rendition of a steep earth anchor emerged with expert input from mountain rescue teams, primarily for back-roping stretchers where the consequences of failure are not catastrophic. The Talon consists of 5 laser-cut aluminum spikes that are hammered into the ground to create an anchor, connected by a Dyneema sling. Uniquely, each spike has a serated top edge to create a standing platform, adding extra strength and stability when weighted.
Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team adopted the Talon, developing a procedure for skidding a stretcher: Working as a two-person team at the belay station, an individual standing on the anchor relays communications on required back-rope speed from the stretcher party to the rope controller.
The Helix Dragon Claw
Developed from a customer request for a more compact answer to the talons, the Helix Dragon Claw achieves this by using a medium length for each spike, and the same direction for each bent section. The result is a complete ground anchor that stacks together neatly, creating a more compact, portable and subdued carrying solution whilst maintaining strength and functionality of the Talons.
Installation and Strength
The holding power of both earth anchors is dependent on the integrity of the substrate in which it is being used, as well as being correctly installed and oriented. In optimal turf placements, both anchors have been shown to hold up to 5–6 kN.
Engineering Solutions That Respond to Real-World Demands
Helix Operations believes that tactical operators, military personnel, and high-risk volunteers should be able to navigate any environment safely and efficiently and operate with uncompromising, specialist-grade equipment.
The development of the helix dragon claw is a testament to this; each phase of the development process was informed by close collaboration with specialised units and in-field testing. We're committed to creating solutions that navigate any terrain, overcoming any barriers and obstacles, informed by our end users.
