What we do
Special operations
We serve as the science, engineering and technology partner of choice for special forces during deployments. This role is enabled by our strategic independence, robust scientific and engineering expertise and deep understanding of the unique challenges these forces encounter.
Special operations
We serve as the science, engineering and technology partner of choice for special forces during deployments. This role is enabled by our strategic independence, robust scientific and engineering expertise and deep understanding of the unique challenges these forces encounter.
Special operations
We serve as the science, engineering and technology partner of choice for special forces during deployments. This role is enabled by our strategic independence, robust scientific and engineering expertise and deep understanding of the unique challenges these forces encounter.
Special operations
We serve as the science, engineering and technology partner of choice for special forces during deployments. This role is enabled by our strategic independence, robust scientific and engineering expertise and deep understanding of the unique challenges these forces encounter.
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Highlights
Tower escape safety system for submarines
The tower escape safety system allows crew members to evacuate a stricken submarine in pairs from the depths of up to approximately 100 m. The system features a specialised mechanical rail installed inside the tower, onto which each submariner hooks in a vertical sequence. As the tower floods, the rail system secures the submariners in position, counteracting the buoyancy of their inflated suits. Escape is triggered automatically by a hold-and-release mechanism that activates when the upper hatch is opened.
Faster response to acts of piracy
The CSIR has developed an innovative hosting system that enables the loading of a greater number and wider variety of fast surface craft onto larger navy vessels. The system features a wave-compensating hydraulic davit mounted on a load-vector-compensating base, all housed within an ISO container footprint that is installed and adapted on the vessels deck. Boats and crew can be safely deployed and recovered while the host vessel is underway. The CSIR team collaborates closely with the South African Navy and the Institute for Maritime Technology.
Lighting for safer landing – a portable landing light system
Our lightweight, portable landing light system can be rapidly deployed to mark drop zones for paratroopers or to establish landing strips in areas without existing infrastructure. Infrared-enabled and invisible to the naked eye, the system is remotely controlled either by ground operators or by the pilot from a distance of up to 10 km. With six lights on either side, the system can mark out a landing strip of 1 km or more.
Our research
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