Shakespeare® Marine, world leader in marine antenna design, announces it is launching the, the world’s first inflatable emergency VHF antenna at METSTRADE 2018.

The GALAXY-INFL8 can be rapidly deployed via an embedded canister or manual tube and inflates to 1.6 meters to offer a full 3dB high visibility unit and a range of up to three times greater than any existing helical emergency antenna. The GALAXY-INFL8 is also supplied with a bespoke splice connector, enabling fast and efficient connection to existing radio cables, which further improves the radio transmission range – another industry first.

The GALAXY-INFL8 has been designed with multiple features to enhance users’ safety at sea, including contrasting colours to allow it to be seen day and night and built-in reflective strips for extra visibility. The antenna is mounted with hook and loop straps allowing for quick and easy installation in any weather, and thanks to its inflatable design and manual valve it is reusable, so it can be deflated and stowed away safely until it is needed.

European Sales Manager at Shakespeare® Marine, Dave Manasseh, comments, “In the past, emergency antenna have sacrificed length and range to be stowed easily. We wanted to change that. The GALAXY-INFL8 is the culmination of years of hard work from our engineering and design specialists to produce a full 3dB emergency antenna that is 1.6m in length and can be stored in a 250mm space. It’s a game-changer for emergency communications that we are proud to introduce to the industry in November at METSTRADE 2018.”

Established in 1897, Shakespeare® Marine is a global antenna brand with a reputation for superior quality. Find out more on the website, www.shakespeare-ce.com/marine.