Stabilization Test

The most dramatic results came from tests involving the use of rescue helicopters. The large Coast Guard helicopters hovered about 30 feet above the surface of the water, directly over the rafts being tested. The powerful downdrafts from the rotors reached speeds in excess of 100 m.p.h. The lightly ballasted competitors' rafts were flipped over by the helicopter blade downwash and the canopy immediately filled with water trapping the mariners inside. Those capsized rafts now sat upside down, the canopy rapidly filling with cold seawater. Meanwhile, the Givens Buoy Life Rafts stabilized by the patented hemishperical stabilization system sat perfectly still beneath the rescue chopper.

Life Raft stabilization system

Airflow deflected by the stabilization system and canopy as the raft crests a wave. The stabilization system keeps the center of gravity below the surface. Click here to see how this system works.

The Givens raft is able to resist capsize from high winds because the hemispherical ballast chamber extends 5 feet below the ocean surface, which does not allow winds to catch the underside of the raft. Even directly below the rescue helicopter the Givens raft was absolutely stable.