- Height: Balloon rises up to 5 meters (16 feet) above your position.
- Visibility: Clearly signals for up to 3 days depending on conditions.
- Boat Version: Waterproof Dry Bag can be fixed to the boat with a Velcro system.
- After Deployment: Can be re-packed into the Dry Bag and secured to your body so it floats safely with you and will not sink.
- Radar Assist: Balloon coating is designed to positively influence radar signature (detection depends on conditions and equipment).
The AirMarker R.Five is the boat-version AirMarker, designed to give rescuers a clear visual reference above the waterline when every minute counts. In an emergency, the bright orange balloon deploys and rises up to 5 meters (16 feet), making it easier to spot in open water, swell, spray, haze, and low visibility.
The R.Five is supplied in a waterproof Dry Bag that can be fixed to the boat with a Velcro system. After deployment, the AirMarker can be re-packed into the Dry Bag and secured to your body so it floats safely with you and will not sink. This is a big deal for real-world marine emergencies where anything not secured can be lost fast.
Inside the solid ABS housing are three AirMarker helium cylinders, a high-performance synthetic connecting line, and a special balloon with a 4-point safety mechanism including reflectors and an integrated light source. The LED requires one-time activation using the on/off switch. After activation, it switches on automatically at 10 Lx and off at 20 Lx (light duration about 22 hours).
The AirMarker balloon was developed with a special coating designed to positively influence radar signature. Radar detection can still vary depending on radar system parameters, weather conditions, distance, flight altitude, and dynamics. In many situations, localization by rescue teams using radar search equipment can be significantly improved, but no guarantee can be made regarding reliable radar detection.
Who Uses the AirMarker R.Five
- Boat owners who want a dedicated, boat-mounted visual distress signal.
- Sailors and offshore crews who need a signal that stays with them and will not sink after deployment.
- Charter operators and guides building a more professional safety setup for clients.
- Anglers and coastal boaters who want a fast visual marker for low visibility or night situations.
- Rescue and support crews who need a quick, elevated visual marker above the waterline.
Real Use Scenarios
- Disabled vessel and drifting. Elevated signal gives searchers a clear visual reference above the waterline.
- Man overboard response where keeping a steady visual point matters while you maneuver.
- Fog, haze, or rain where strobes can get lost in glare and spray.
- Night or dusk emergency where light + reflectors help visibility while you conserve battery-powered devices.
- Abandoning to a life jacket or harness where it is critical the signal stays with you and does not sink.
Common Questions
Q: How high does the R.Five balloon rise?
A: Up to 5 meters (16 feet) above your position. The flight altitude can be adjusted by varying the length of the tether line.
Q: What makes the R.Five different from the R.Four?
A: The R.Five includes a waterproof Dry Bag that can be fixed to the boat with a Velcro system. After deployment, it can be re-packed and secured to your body so it floats with you and will not sink.
Q: How does the light work?
A: The LED requires one-time activation using the on/off switch. After activation, it switches on automatically at low light (10 Lx) and off at brighter light (20 Lx). Light duration is about 22 hours.
Q: Is the R.Five a one-time-use device?
A: Yes. It is one-time use. After use, customers can return their AirMarker and it will be replaced at a special price.
Q: Does the radar coating guarantee radar detection?
A: No. The coating is designed to positively influence radar signature, but detection depends on the radar system, weather, distance, altitude, and dynamics. In many situations it can improve localization, but it is not guaranteed.
The AirMarker R.Five is a one-time-use visual rescue signal designed to mark your location for up to three days depending on conditions. Its boat-focused Dry Bag system helps keep the unit secured, deployable, and easier to retain after activation so it stays with you.
AirMarker Model Comparison
| Feature | R.One | R.Four | R.Five |
|---|
| Primary Use | All-terrain, aviation, land survival | Personal marine and watersports survival | Boat-mounted / professional marine safety system |
| Max Balloon Height | 45 m (150 ft) | 5 m (16 ft) | 5 m (16 ft) |
| Connecting Line Length | 45 m (148 ft) | 5 m (16 ft) | 5 m (16 ft) |
| Balloon Diameter | 40 cm (15.7 in) | 41 cm (16.1 in) | 41 cm (16.1 in) |
| Visibility Duration | Up to 3 days | Up to 3 days | Up to 3 days |
| Light + Reflectors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Light Control Type | Automatic low-light activation | Automatic after one-time activation | Manual ON button + automatic low-light behavior |
| Helium Cylinders | 3 × 63 ml (3 × 2.1 fl oz) | 3 × 63 ml (3 × 2.1 fl oz) | 3 × 63 ml (3 × 2.1 fl oz) |
| Water Protection | Splash-proof housing | Splash-proof housing | Splash-proof housing |
| Dry Bag Included | Not listed | Yes (waterproof carry Dry Bag) | Yes (mountable waterproof Dry Bag) |
| Boat Mount Capability | No | No | Yes (Velcro boat mounting system) |
| Float / Stay With User After Deploy | Not specified | Standard tether deployment | Designed to float and remain secured to user or vessel |
| Radar Signature Assist Coating | Not listed in product details | Yes (passive radar signature assist coating) | Yes (passive radar signature assist coating) |
| Size (L × W × H) | 95 × 84 × 251 mm (3.74 × 3.31 × 9.88 in) | 95 × 84 × 251 mm (3.74 × 3.31 × 9.88 in) | 95 × 84 × 251 mm (3.74 × 3.31 × 9.88 in) |
| Weight | Approx. 890 g (1.96 lb) | Approx. 890 g (1.96 lb) | Approx. 890 g (1.96 lb) |
A Flare Alternative for Marine Emergencies
Most people are not searching for "AirMarker" yet. They are searching for flare alternative, marine distress signal, boat emergency signal, visual distress signal, man overboard marker, life jacket safety gear, offshore safety equipment, and marine rescue marker.
Flares are intense but short. Radios and satellite devices can send coordinates, but they do not always provide a clear visual reference when searchers arrive in the area. The AirMarker R.Five is a long-duration visual marker that rises above the waterline and can remain visible for up to three days depending on conditions. It is a practical last-layer signal for when you need rescuers to actually see you.
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