Echomax Radar Reflectors
Concerned about the performance of radar reflectors, in the seventies John Firth patented a design which, as licensees, Firdell was jointly established to market. Firdell stopped selling Pentland Firth reflectors and continued to market another design which they sold as the Blipper. Connections with that company severed and John then patented an improved design which was sold as the Gillie-Firth for 25 years. The Echomax was a revolutionary design of the stacked array principle and was his third patent.
As a member of ISO committee in Paris in 1980, considering amendments to Marine Radar Reflectors Regulations, John drafted performance paragraphs subsequently incorporated into ISO 8729.
For many years the Octahedral reflector has been accepted as the basis for the ISO 8729, RORC and ORC specification. However, at a 15° tilt its serious failings are a lack of response over 140° azimuth.
Radar Reflectors
Echomax 230
Suitable for medium size vessels. Polyethylene case. The EM 230 model has been successfully tested by QinetiQ to ISO 8729, SHIPS WHEEL MARK, SOLAS RORC and ORC and meets sections A.1/1.33 and A.1/4.39 of annex A1 of Marine Directive 98/95/EC. Echomax EM230 has now been allocated a NATO Stock No.5840-99-742-6193 following the adoption and use of the Echomax EM 230 by the UK Military Forces and others throughout the World.
Mast, halyard or deck bracket mount. Available in white, orange, yellow, red, green, khaki or black. @+/-3°-24m² peak, @+/-9°-19m², @+/-15°-9m², @+/-20°-5m² 100%, @5m².60%@10m².
Dimensions:
Height: 610mm
Width: 245mm
Fixing Holes: 8mm
Weight: 2.5kg
Fixing Centres: 569mm
QinetiQ April 2001 Firdell Blipper 210-7 6.3m² peak - 8% at 5m² 54% at 2.5m²
For polar diagram click here, target pattern map click here, mounting bracket information click here, mounting instructions click here, line drawing click here
Echomax 230 Midi (Original)
The middle sized Echomax Polyethylene models for sailing yachts, RIBs and motor cruisers. Fully tested by QinetiQ. Exceeds RORC/ORC requirement of 10m², but fails ISO 8729 by 2° per sector.
Available in white, orange, yellow, red, green, khaki, or black. @+/-3°-20m² peak, 75% @2.5m², 100% @1.25m²
Dimensions:
Height: 450mm
Width: 245mm
Fixing centres: 408mm
Fixing holes: 8mm
Weight: 1.9kg
For polar diagram click here, mounting bracket information click here, mounting instructions click here, line drawing click here
Echomax 230 Midi (Basemount)
The smallest of the Polyethylene models for RIBs, powerboats and motor cruisers in a base mount version. Features four integrally moulded fixing points for stability and reliability. Super strength magnetic base version also available for airside vehicles. Chosen by the RNLI as best reflector for their fleet of 400 RIB's. After capsize tests and exhaustive sea trials, the Midi recorded 100% paints at 3.8 miles and 80% paints at 5 miles plus in sea state 'fair' although mounted only 2m above sea level. (RORC/ORC recommend 4m above sea level).
All versions available in white, orange, yellow, red, green, khaki or black.
Dimensions:
Height: 450mm
Width: 245mm
Fixing centres: 408mm
Fixing holes: 8mm
Weight: 1.9kg
For polar diagram click here, mounting bracket information click here, mounting instructions click here, line drawing click here
Echomax 180
Due to demand for an Echomax for smaller boats, we are pleased to announce the availability of the EM 180 radar reflector based on the proven John Firth patented stacked symmetrical array with peak responses of 8m2. We have utilised the largest possible array with the smallest possible robust polyethylene case with minimum windage and weight. The EM 180 is suitable for deck, mast mount fixing, or halyard suspension and is available in white, orange, black, yellow, and new colour khaki.
Dimensions:
Height: 478mm (overall)
Width: 197mm (overall)
Fixing Centres: 435mm
Fixings: 2 x 8mm stainless eyelets
Weight: 1.4kg
For linear diagram click here, mounting bracket information click here, mounting instructions click here, line drawing click here
Echomax 230 I Inflatable
DuPont metallized, lacquered and spunbonded fabric array with PVC case; folds down neatly to pocket size and is an ideal addition to the grab bag for emergency use. QinetiQ recorded an astonishing 20m² peak exceeding the RORC requirements by nearly two fold. Can be mounted from halyard. Optional three piece glass fibre rod kit for dinghy or liferaft use. @+/-3°-20m² peak
Dimensions:
Length: 750mm
Weight: 413 gms
Overall Diameter: 300mm
3 piece mounting kit: 247gms
For mounting instructions click here
Echomax A03 I Inflatable
Certified to Schedule 4, Part 4, Paragraph 1.1.14 of the Merchant Shipping (life saving appliances Regulations 1986 and hence chapter III, Regulation 38.5.1.14 of the 1983 Amendments to the International Convention for Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS) 1974. Suitable for stowage in liferaft emergency packs up to 36m above sea level as required by IMO Specification annexed to UK Merchant Shipping Notice M. 1485, 1991, published by the Department of Transport, Marine Directorate. Certificate no. QQ-TAN-04/3-01
Dimensions:
Weight: 599gms
Packed: 230x305mm
Inflated: 615 diameter
3 piece mounting kit: 247gms
For mounting instructions click here
Echomax 305
The largest of the Echomax range, made from 3mm glass fibre for large yachts, work boats and commercial fishing craft. The EM 305 model has been successfully tested by QinetiQ to ISO 8729, SHIPS WHEEL MARK, SOLAS, RORC and ORC and meets sections A.1/1.33 and A.1/4.39 of annex A1 of Marine Directive 98/95/EC. Recent tests by the MCA recorded peaks in excess of 70m². Mast or deck bracket mounting. Not suitable for free suspension. Following a years trial by the US Navy Submarine Division the EM 305 has been chosen to give added radar visibility upon surfacing.
Available in white. Maximum RCS 51.7M2 - Average +/- 3 degrees 7.4M2
Dimensions:
Length: 710cm
Overall Diameter: 322mm
Fixing Centres: 670mm
Fixing Holes: 10mm
Firdell claim their equivalent Pilot 300 peaks at 12m²+
For polar diagram click here, target pattern map click here, mounting bracket information click here, mounting instructions click here
Echomax 305 PE
Following a year of sea trials the US Navy SubPac Division Hawaii have chosen the EM305 for enhanced visibility upon surfacing for their fleet of nuclear submarines. We designed a new polyethylene case with peak performance of 62.9m² at an average of +1-3° at 10m² suitable for free suspension. Being 21.6% more effective than the glass fibre model.
For 5220 linear diagram click here (New 305PE fitted with enhanced array)
For 5221 linear diagram click here (New 305PE fitted with standard array)
For 56 linear diagram click here (Glass fibre model fitted with enhanced array identical to 5220)
Echomax 305-TH
Custom made for Trinity House. QinetiQ testing proved the Echomax 305 to give an incredible response of 12 seperate 50sq.m peaks @+/-3°@30° intervals with an astonishing peak of 63m². Trinity House are currently testing two EM305 TH reflectors on lateral buoys Black Deep-7 and Barrow-7 off Harwich. Available in base or pedestal mount.
Dimensions:
Length (case only): 680mm
Length (with light without pedestal): 995mm
Circular base: 400mm
Square base: 433mm
Overall Diameter: 325mm
Fixing Holes: to be specified
Weight: from 5kg depending upon array composition
Solar Still
- Tear open pack for emergencies
- Easily inflated by mouth
- Lanyard fixing
- Pure water stored in separate pouch
- High visibility orange plastic
- Proven reliability
- Made to ISO 9002 with NATO stock number
Aquamate solar stills are light, compact and very easy to use.
They utilise solar radiation to distil and collect pure drinking water from sea or impure water.
The still will produce 500-2000 ccs of water per day and has been used for over forty years by military and civilian services around the world.
An ideal addition to the grab bag for any ocean going yachtsman at a fraction of the price of a mechanical or electrical unit.
Aquasafe Waterproof Bags
Aquasafe is constructed to provide guaranteed protection from the elements during outdoor work and recreation. Made from a tough UV stable PU they protect from water, sand, dust, sun and even spilt drinks. Aquasafe is airtight, so it floats in water.
Aquasafe protects the most valuable equipment but still allows delicate operation of items such as GPS, VHF and mobile telephones, just talk and listen through the case as normal. The optic window in the camera case enables you to take photos in the rain, it also aids with everyday protection from humidity etc.
Aquasafe could not be easier to use. Place objects in the bag and locate the holes at the opening end over the lugs of one half of the clamp. Ensure levers are pointing outwards, place the clamps together and tighten by rotating the levers half a turn to seal.
- Guaranteed protection from natures elements.
- Airtight – so it floats!
- Ideal for Sportsmen, Fishermen, Wet Bikers,
- Windsurfers, Sailors, Police, Emergency
- Services, Water Sports, Ships’ Pilots etc.
- Protects and allows contents to easily be used and seen.
- Tailored to fit Mobile phones, Marine VHF, GPS, Palm Cases, Cameras, Credit Cards, Valuables and documents.
Smoke Hoods
AQUAMATE SMOKE HOOD Gives vital minutes of “breathing space” to find your escape route before becoming hopelessly overcome by smoke or fumes.
Full Bureau Veritas accreditation for cosmetic smoke;
Class A - white cold smoke (straw)
Class B - thick black smoke, thick black acrid smoke (Kerosene)
For a full and detailed list of Echomax products available from Storm Force Marine in Hong Kong, please see the Echomax website