SKYLOTEC is the only manufacturer worldwide to offer a complete product range in the field of tactical access in the “Law Enforcement and Armed Forces” (LEAF) sector. This includes systems for battery-powered rope access, telescopic poles, titanium hooks and accessories. Now the German brand is presenting several new products such as the electric pole “Neptune” and the flat titanium hook “Sierra”. Military and police units can thus carry out urban and maritime operations more safely, easily and quickly.
When tactical police units, coast guards or the military are in action, every second counts. Therefore, they need equipment with which they can act quickly and flexibly - whether in urban or maritime scenarios. SKYLOTEC offers this equipment as market leader and exclusive manufacturer of a complete product range for tactical access. Now the family-owned company, which has been developing and producing protective equipment in Germany for over 75 years, has launched a new solution for high access heights: the electric telescopic pole “Neptune”. This provides a quick way to get a hook and ladder into position to establish access in complex situations such as boarding a ship while underway or a building in an urban area. The system is equipped with an electric motor that provides users with instant speed while maintaining maximum control when extending the mast; extending to a height of 20 m / 65.6 ft is possible within 8.5 seconds. Powered by a standard 18V lithium-ion battery available worldwide, the motor unit is intuitive to operate and features a simple one-handed Patent pending manual override system. This means that it can be used even if there is a fault with the motor or battery. The motor housing is IP68 waterproof for four hours at a depth of 15 metres and is made of impact-resistant polymer. This reduces the weight to a minimum, as do the mast components made of high-strength carbon fibre, which are also corrosion-resistant. This is an advantage especially in the maritime environment and increases the longevity of the material.
A folding stabiliser handle also facilitates transport and storage of the electric telescopic pole. If necessary, the handle can be folded down immediately for use. “Neptune” is available in lengths of 12 m / 39.4 ft, 16 m / 52.5 ft and 20 m / 65.6 ft; a set with two batteries and a charger is also supplied in a protective case. The electric telescopic pole “Neptune” is compatible with all titanium hooks and ladder systems from SKYLOTEC.
Titanium hooks “Sierra”: For high point and arch loads
Another novelty in the product range of the German brand are the flat titanium hooks "Sierra". The hooks were developed for high point and arch loads. This has the advantage that several users can climb at the same time. The hooks of the “Sierra” series are made of Ti-6Al-4V or titanium sheet grade 5. This alloy makes them very strong, yet light and highly resistant to corrosion. This is especially important for maritime applications.
When it comes to ease of use and performance, the “Sierra” hooks offer further advantages: for example, the inside is grooved to improve the grip of the hook when it reaches its target. Forward teeth also prevent the hook from slipping if it is not fully engaged. Optionally, the “Sierra” hooks can be fitted with a neoprene cover that has sound-absorbing properties for clandestine operations. In addition, the hooks offer options for attaching Flexilight or Chemlight light sticks to them. For night applications, a coloured or IR light can be used so that the operator can see the hook when fully extending the telescopic pole onto the target. The titanium hooks of the “Sierra” range are available in five different sizes between 65 mm / 2.5 in and 280 mm / 11.0 in, so that the most suitable hook can be selected depending on the application.
Novelties from telescopic poles to ladders
Robuste Leitern wie die ‚Wire Ladder‘ gehören bei SKYLOTEC ebenfalls zum Produktprogramm im Bereich der taktischen Zugangstechnik.
In addition to the “Sierra” titanium hooks and the electric telescopic pole “Neptune”, SKYLOTEC has expanded its product range with additional novelties. These include the “Njord” manual telescopic pole made of carbon, to the bottom end-cap of which a wire or fibrelight ladder can be attached. Meanwhile, the titanium pole hook “Delta” is available in three different sizes, offering multiple pole release options built into the hook design. The “Tango” titanium pole hook, on the other hand, is available in two different sizes – one for use with a net ladder, the other for use with a double fibre ladder. The hooks provide multiple ladder attachment points. This prevents the ladder from rotating during use. Both the “Delta” and “Tango” hooks can withstand high arch loads so that multiple users can climb at the same time. In addition, the hook arms are each fitted with high-strength heat-shrink tubing. This improves the grip and the noise-damping properties. The range is rounded off by the “Wire” and “Fibre” ladders and the “Maritime” and “Urban” base plates, which help to stabilise telescopic poles during use in maritime or urban environments.