Necessity is the mother of invention. The owners of MATBOCK wanted a better combat litter and they went ahead and invented one.
Right from the get go, there is something different about the LIFT System in that it is dual purpose. Not only is it a litter but it is also a Sensitive Site Exploitation bag, or it could be used for other tasks such as collecting a casualty’s equipment. Weighing in at 1 lb the litter is made from parachute nylon with reinforcements across its width. Here you can see a loaded example along with its shoulder strap. It unzips and unfolds to form the litter. Once opened up it is 6-1/2 feet long.
It can be used alone as a poleless litter and features grab handles that also serve as slots for the Combat Carbon Poles.
The Combat Carbon Poles are collapsible with shock cord inserts so they are always connected even when broken down for portage. The CCP extends to 7 ft 6¼ and breaks down to five sections 1 ft 9¼ inches long. The individual poles weigh only 1.3 lbs each and together, with the LIFT will support 400 lbs. They also come with MOLLE mounting straps so they can be attached to a pack or armor vest.
Due to size, weight and cost of the CCP, it is envisioned that several members of an element will carry the LIFT but only one man will hump the CCP. This offers a team the option of collecting a lot of evidence during SSE and/or several soft litters. MATBOCK informed SSD that they are taking a look at developing attachments to make the CCP multipurpose products as well.
For more information on the Lightweight Integrated Field Transport System and Combat Carbon Poles check out their informational brochure.
To order, visit www.matbock.com/products/medical.
Tags: MATBOCK LLC
“Due to the weight, size and COST of the poles…”
5 bones for the carbon fiber poles–I can already see the TTPs for recovering those poles.
This stuff costs what its costs–just proof of the performance/weight/cost axiom so true in every endeavor.
We are currently working on options for these extremely lightweight, but strong poles. Stay tuned
Thanks for taking that constructively.
Yes, I will be watching your work…
add Geckskin
Would be nice to get rid of mounting straps for the Combat Carbon Poles
Does it fit into the standard NATO litter mounts? It does seem rather expensive when there are already several, combat proven folding litter systems available.
Great question and appreciate the comment. Our intent was to build the lightest semi-rigid litter that can carry at least 400lbs which has the ability to convert into a multipurpose bag, and we did. The intent of the system is not to replace any over the rigid litter systems available that fit into vehicles or air assets, but rather to give operators the means to get personnel away from a contact with a downed man in a very quick manner that is lightweight and relatively small compared to most other litters. At only 3.6 lbs total weight, operators will not have to worry about cutting other mission essential gear just to carry a stretcher. Leave the rigid heavy litters in the vehicles and air assets, they can carry as much weight as you need them to, but do not sacrifice your operators speed with unnecessary weight. Additionally, our system is multipurpose and the bag can be used for SSE and and casualty gear collection.
Here are the numbers – and the question we asked; why carry a system that weighs 11.9 – 16.5lbs when you can carry on that is 3.6lbs? And how combat effective are operators trying carry 1200lbs in a fire fight – we felt its over engineered.
Our Litter –
LIFT System
Cost: $620.00
Weight: 3lbs 9oz
Carrying Capacity: 400lbs
Competition –
Talon II:
Cost $660
Weight: 16 lbs 6 oz
Carrying Capacity: 1200lbs
Raven:
Cost: $397.33
Weight: 16lbs 8 oz
Carrying Capacity: 1200lbs
T3 “Lightweight” Assault Litter
Cost: $1065.33
Weight: 11 lbs 13 oz
Carrying Capacity: 1200lbs
Excellent reply, that puts cost/weight into perspective. Thanks