Marlow FRIES Rope

The Marlow Fast Rope Insertion & Extraction System (FRIES) rope is designed for multi-purpose use, allowing it to be used for descent, insertion, and extraction. The FRIES rope is essentially a 40mm Fast rope with 6 extraction loops sewn into it – the 6 extraction loops are made from 11mm LSK rope that allows six fully equipped personnel to be carried under the helicopter. The FRIES rope can also be used as a regular Fast Rope for the rapid insertion of troops.

Marlow FRIES Ropes use an eight-braid, staple-spun nylon construction in both 40mm and 32mm diameters that allows for a controlled descent when used as a fast rope; the 6 FRIES extraction loops that are sewn into the body of the rope are manufactured from 11mm Marlow LSK (Low Stretch Kernmantle) rope.

As with the Marlow fast ropes, the braid tension on the FRIES ropes is deliberately made to be supple so that less force is required to slow down and brake.  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 the 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) 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. The spliced eye is protected from abrasion by a polyester cover.
• Multi-Fit 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