Added visibility means added safety.
Helicopter rescue missions are frequently carried out in less than optimum conditions. Stormy weather, smoke, fog, high seas and other environmental factors can obscure normal metallic rescue hooks, making them difficult to see and deploy—often in high stress situations. And a swinging hook that is difficult to see can be a real danger to crews and victims alike.
So the new high visibility Auto-Lok hook from Capewell Aerial Systems is an idea whose time has come. This new hook features the same fail-safe design that has made the Auto-Lok hook a preferred rescue hook for SAR organizations worldwide—but with an added measure of safety. The durable neon yellow-green powder coating is baked onto the body of the forged stainless steel hook. And the latch lever is coated in contrasting bright orange. This hook stands out in all weather conditions and is even highly visible under water.
But enhanced visibility is not the only advantage. The intuitive Auto-Lok mechanism means that the hook is always locked while in use—virtually eliminating the chance of accidental roll out and load loss. The latch is easily operated with one hand—even with heavy gloves. This hook exceeds the US Mil Spec and is compatible with all hoist systems.
The hook has a large capacity to accommodate multiple rings and carabiners. The gap opening of the hook is 1.25 inches which makes loading of the attachments quick and easy. There is a 3/4” eye incorporated in the body of the hook to accommodate equipment, trail/tag line hook up, or the addition of a chemlite. The hook as well as the eye have been tested to an ultimate load of 16,000+ pounds.
