Marlow Fast Rope

Marlow Ropes were one of the originators of the fast rope insertion capability when in conjunction with TK Special Forces, they designed and developed the original Fast Ropes. Since then, they have worked with end users to continue to develop the range of ropes and accessories to cater for different fuselage connections, smaller hands and descent with heavy loads or dogs. Marlow Fast Ropes are used by tactical units across the four corners of the globe.   

Marlow Fast Ropes use an eight braid, staple spun nylon construction that allows for comfortable control throughout the descent. The suppleness of the construction means that the rope is not hard on the hands, and less force is required to slow down and brake – this construction was developed as UK units generally only use hands, rather than hands and feet, on the rope to control descent.  Marlow Fast Rope will absorb liquids and so water, oil and other liquids will have a smaller effect on descent speed.

All the fast ropes are supplied in a heavy duty, duffel style storage bag.

The ropes are available in a number of variants;

• Diameter: The standard diameter is 40mm (nominal, under load) with a  thinner 32mm nominal diameter version as available; the 40mm is generally used unless end user groups have smaller frames and hands in which case the 32mm can be easier to grip.
• Lengths: Lengths have long been based around imperial measurements (50ft/60ft/90ft etc) and so the 15.2m, 18.3m and 27.4m lengths are standard, but custom lengths are also available.  
• Terminations: There are 3 main terminations
• The Dynalite (DLT) Termination is a short, compact low volume termination formed from high strength HMPE fibres with a  protective cover that is spliced into the main body of the rope. This offers a connection point compatible with a lot of connectors and shackles. The termination offers significant weight savings over metal terminations plus this lighter weight helps minimise risk of injury to personnel on the ground when ropes are released post deployment. Also the lack of metal parts means there is no need for X-Ray analysis of the termination before re-use. 
• The Spliced Eye (SE) termination is the traditional and highest strength termination that splices the body of the rope (with a protective cover)l back into itself. Bulkier than a Dynalite termination, but well proven and still popular. Spliced Eye Termination is ideally suited for descent from towers in training situations. It easily hooks over support beams or scaffolding in training.
• MultiFit Termination is a metal termination that has been designed to fit a wide range of helicopter cargo hooks and hoist systems. Features a 45mm machined eye allowing fast attachment. It is becoming less popular because of increased maintenance burden, the added risk it incurs when dropped from the helicopter and its high price

• HF models: These have a tighter, harder braid for increased durability when the rope is descended with the feet also used for control.
• HW models: These are ballasted with weights in the ends to help minimise uplift from the rotor blades