When Every Second Counts
The Airborne Tactical Extraction Platform (AirTEP) is a highly versatile, helicopter-lift extraction and insertion system engineered by Escape International for fast, precise movement of personnel in the world’s most challenging environments. Aerial is the leading U.S. distributor and only Berry-compliant U.S. manufacturer of the AirTEP, ensuring units can deploy the system with confidence, support, and full compliance.
Built for special operations, rescue missions, disaster response, and rapid-access scenarios, AirTEP allows teams to insert or extract up to 10 fully equipped operators or responders in under five minutes, even when terrain, obstacles, or threats make helicopter or tiltrotor landing impossible.
Mission-critical aerial access and extraction
AirTEP gives commanders and operators the capability to move teams quickly, securely, and with minimal aircraft disruption. Designed to deploy from virtually any helicopter platform, the system stabilizes in flight, provides full 360° visibility, and keeps personnel safely secured during high-speed operations, making it an essential asset for missions requiring agility, precision, and speed.
Whether moving warfighters to an inaccessible rooftop, extracting medical personnel from a compromised zone, or rescuing civilians from disaster-stricken terrain, AirTEP brings reliable, repeatable performance across a wide spectrum of operational profiles.
Rapid Deployment and Extraction
AirTEP enables fast insertion and extraction of up to 10 fully equipped personnel, typically in under five minutes, drastically reducing time on-station and exposure to threats.
Compatible With Any Helicopter
Designed to integrate seamlessly with a wide range of rotary-wing aircraft without modifying the airframe. The system stows compactly and deploys cleanly for quick transitions from transport to action.
Exceptional In-Flight Stability
Engineered for steady, predictable behavior at speeds up to 100 knots, maintaining proper posture and alignment without compromising helicopter approach or control.
360° Visibility & Hands-Free Operation
The open design gives operators a complete field of view and full freedom of movement while remaining safely secured.
Crew-Chief Controlled
Entirely managed by the crew chief, AirTEP minimizes cockpit workload and enables precise, coordinated deployment in tight or complex environments.
Rescue-Ready for Civilian and Humanitarian Operations
Ideal for the rapid evacuation of injured, stranded, or at-risk individuals where the helicopter cannot safely land.
Operational benefits
AirTEP provides organizations with a tactical advantage in environments where traditional helicopter or tiltrotor landings are impossible or unsafe. Its unique design and rapid-deployment capability make it an essential tool for missions requiring speed, precision, and adaptability.
- Access to restrictive or obstructed terrain where landing zones are unavailable or unsafe
AirTEP enables insertion and extraction in dense urban areas, rugged mountains, forest canopy, confined maritime spaces, and disaster zones where helicopters cannot land. Operators gain direct access to locations previously considered unreachable. - Reduced exposure time for aircraft and crew during high-threat or time-sensitive missions
Because teams can load and unload quickly, the helicopter spends less time hovering or holding in vulnerable airspace. This minimizes the risk from ground fire, environmental hazards, or rapidly changing conditions. - Efficient evacuation capability for military, law enforcement, and emergency response teams
Whether retrieving personnel from a compromised structure, evacuating citizens from danger, or repositioning tactical units, AirTEP enables swift, organized movement even under pressure. - Safe movement of fully equipped personnel without interfering with aircraft performance or operations
Operators remain securely attached and stabilized during flight, allowing them to travel with full gear without affecting the helicopter’s balance, maneuverability, or approach profile. - Rapid rescue and extraction during natural disasters, maritime incidents, or compromised infrastructure events
AirTEP is built for unpredictable, high-stakes scenarios such as floods, earthquakes, fires, shipboard rescues, and collapsed buildings. Its ability to deploy quickly makes it indispensable for saving lives when time is critical.
Together, these benefits ensure that AirTEP provides the aerial mobility needed to keep missions moving and keeps both operators and civilians out of harm’s way.
Mission-ready support
As the leading U.S. distributor, Aerial coordinates and provides comprehensive support for AirTEP customers, including:
- Training coordination and deployment guidance
- Integration support for U.S. helicopter platforms
- Maintenance, inspection, and sustainment resources
- Berry-compliant U.S. manufacturing for units requiring domestic sourcing
From acquisition to field use, Aerial, working side-by-side with Escape International, ensures AirTEP users receive the expertise, responsiveness, and support needed for seamless adoption.
About Escape International
Escape International is the creator and original manufacturer of the AirTEP system, specializing in advanced airborne extraction, insertion, and rescue technologies for military, security, and emergency response organizations worldwide. With decades of operational experience and a commitment to engineering innovation, Escape International designs equipment that performs reliably in the most demanding real-world conditions. Their solutions are trusted globally to enhance mobility, extend reach, and enable safe, effective operations where traditional methods fall short.
To learn more, visit www.escape-international.com.