ONR TechSolutions' rope ascender premieres in 'Modern Marvels' TV episode

November 23rd, 2011

Office of Naval Research Command Master Chief Charles Ziervogel the Powered Rope Ascender, which was originally designed for use by soldiers in urban combat and cave exploration. ONR's TechSolutions sponsored the handheld climbing tool, which allows warfighters to ascend and descend vertical surfaces quickly, at a rate of six feet per second. Credit: Office of Naval Research photo by John F. Williams/Released

The History Channel will feature an Office of Naval Research (ONR)-sponsored device that could help Sailors and Marines scale walls like Batman during its "Modern Marvels" show Nov. 28.

Funded by ONR's TechSolutions program, the Powered Rope Ascender was originally designed for use by soldiers in urban combat and cave exploration. The handheld climbing tool allows warfighters to ascend and descend vertical surfaces quickly, at a rate of six feet per second.

As ONR's rapid-response science and technology program, TechSolutions funded the project to create a next-generation system for naval operations. The resulting technology, which is more compact and runs on a rechargeable battery, can assist maritime security teams in boarding ships and help helicopter rescue crews evacuate casualties, among other applications.

The Ascender will be spotlighted during a "Modern Marvels" episode called "Weird Machines."

Provided by Office of Naval Research