UK company Avpro, is looking for development funding for a personnel pod to be carried on the outer-wing hardpoints of a British Aerospace Harrier GR7 or McDonnell Douglas AV-8B. Project director Mike Ryan, believes that the personnel extraction/insertion (exint) pod could be used for a wide range of missions, including delivery of special forces behind enemy lines, or rescue and recovery of downed aircrew. Each exint pod can seat two people or carry an equivalent weight in equipment, and is fitted with an emergency parachute. The concept is understood to have attracted the interest of the US Marine Corps and the Royal Air Force following difficulties in retrieving downed aircrew using helicopters during the Gulf War. Avpro is looking for funding of 4-6 million ($6-10 million) and is "talking to several manufacturers", says Ryan.
Source: Flight International