Restech PLT R-230

Restech Norway AS · Rifle · In Production

Also known as: PLT R-230, PLT 230, PLT R230, Restech PLT230

Overview

The Restech PLT R-230 is a shoulder-fired pneumatic line-throwing device used for maritime rescue and ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore rope transfer. Rather than a firearm cartridge, it uses compressed air from an internal cylinder charged to up to 300 bar to launch a reusable projectile trailing a 3.2 mm floating line. With the R230 projectile it reaches ranges of up to 230 metres, and roughly 115 metres with the lighter R150 projectile. A cylinder filled to 300 bar supplies enough air for around six full-pressure launches. SOLAS/IMO-approved and rated for extreme, low-temperature environments, it carries no expiration date and its projectiles and line are reusable.

Specifications

Weight (empty)8800 g (310.4 oz)
Weight (loaded)11100 g (391.5 oz)
Action TypePneumatic
Firing MechanismPneumatic
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity1 rounds
Effective Range150 m (164 yd)
Maximum Range230 m (252 yd)
Barrel RiflingSmoothbore
Frame MaterialAluminum
Barrel MaterialAluminum

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Production

In current production by Restech Norway AS as SOLAS-approved rescue equipment

Origin

Country of origin: Norway

Notes

Not a firearm in the conventional sense: it is a compressed-air line thrower carried as maritime life-saving appliance (LSA) equipment. Total kit weight is about 11.1 kg, with the base launcher unit around 8.8 kg and each projectile about 1.8 kg. The floating line has a minimum tensile strength of roughly 2000 N. Because it uses no explosive charge, it is classed as non-dangerous cargo for transport.

Background

Restech, based in Narvik, Norway, developed its pneumatic line throwers as a safer alternative to pyrotechnic and cartridge-fired rescue line launchers, eliminating the explosive charge so the device can be transported as non-dangerous goods and reused indefinitely in harsh Arctic maritime conditions.