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Hong Kong’s flying service acquires AmSafe Bridport’s lightweight strop

December 2, 2021  By Helicopters Staff


Danish Defence Air Force prepare for flight operations using AmSafe Bridport's QuickDrop technology. (Photo: AmSafe Bridport)

AmSafe Bridport, which develops cargo restraint, protection and safety systems for commercial aviation and defence, announced Hong Kong’s government flying service has purchased its lightweight Helicopter Under-Slung-Load Equipment, which will be integrated with Airbus H175 helicopters.

The lightweight strop is capable of lifting 3,117.5 kg, developed in partnership with Hong Kong’s government flying service, is said to have a 40 per cent reduction in weight compared to AmSafe Bridport’s standard textile strops. The company explains this reduced-weight alternative means that air rescue service operators can transport larger loads of critical life-saving equipment, while saving fuel and increasing mission efficiency.

Hong Kong’s Government Flying Service is also taking advantage of both 6m and 12m lightweight strops, allowing even further adaptability for its support helicopter operations. Both strops are designed to fully interface with AmSafe Bridport’s HUSLE nets and slings, which have also been selected by Hong Kong’s government flying service and over 25 other armed forces worldwide.

Prior to the recently developed lightweight strop, AmSafe Bridport has developed QuickDrop, launched in 2015 as a remotely operated load delivery system that provides operators with total control over their cargo. Giving the ability to remotely release from inside the aircraft, the company explains QuickDrop eliminates the need for personnel on the ground, reduces hover time and increases mission efficiency – all with high-risk environments in mind.

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AmSafe Bridport points to the Royal Danish Air Force, as an example, which sought an electro-mechanical release strop with the aim of increasing its land and sea operational capabilities. With the help of AmSafe Bridport Royal Danish Air Force was able to achieve this by adapting QuickDrop for use on its AW101 (EH101) Merlin aircraft.

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