VIKING Life-Saving Equipment has received its first orders for the VIKING Pentagon Star, a new mass rescue device made for the quick retrieval of large groups of people from the water. Originally developed for a major c...
VIKING Life-Saving Equipment has received its first orders for the VIKING Pentagon Star, a new mass rescue device made for the quick retrieval of large groups of people from the water. Originally developed for a major coast guard tender, the device is now being officially launched in the market after additional orders from coastal airports in Scandinavia.
The Pentagon Star is designed for government agencies and professional users in defense, search and rescue, and civil aviation. It is aimed at handling rare but serious situations, such as aircraft emergencies, passenger vessel incidents, or any situation where many people may end up in the water. The device can be quickly deployed from helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, or rescue boats and inflates instantly to create a stable floating platform that can hold up to 100 individuals through 10 entry points.
"Unlike traditional open reversible life rafts that have only two entry points, the Pentagon Star has a unique pentagonal design that provides 10 access points at water level," explained Lasse Boesen, Senior Sales Manager for Defence & Professional at VIKING Life-Saving Equipment. "The goal of the Pentagon Star is to remove people from the water quickly. The large platform allows evacuees to board from all sides, minimizing congestion and time spent in the water while also improving search and rescue operations. It will greatly benefit those in distress."
The device is designed to be both lightweight and compact. While standard mass evacuation systems that meet SOLAS regulations typically weigh around 330 kg, the Pentagon Star has a lightweight design of about 60 kg, thanks to its optimized materials and structure. When inflated, it measures 738 cm by 696 cm and is 68 cm high (approximately 291 in × 274 in × 27 in). It can be packed into a compact bag similar in size to a large suitcase, making it easy for one person to handle and deploy from aircraft or rescue boats.
Boesen noted that the VIKING Pentagon Star is not specifically designed to meet SOLAS or other international regulations. It is meant to enhance existing life-saving equipment by allowing for quick responses in situations where time is critical. Its design enables swift removal of individuals from the water, allowing for stabilization before further rescue efforts with standard equipment.
The Pentagon Star successfully won its first tender after performing open water tests with a helicopter and the coast guard. VIKING has since landed its first commercial contract with a Scandinavian airport, with additional airports showing interest. Demonstrations have also been given to European navies, with further testing still in progress to confirm its launch from fixed-wing aircraft for remote deployment.