Skip to main content

ONR TechSolutions' Rope Ascender Premieres in 'Modern Marvels' TV Episode

For Immediate Release: Nov 23, 2011

ARLINGTON, Va.— 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.”

“Modern Marvels” airs on the History Channel on Monday nights. Check local listings for show times.

About the Office of Naval Research

This year, the Department of the Navy’s Office of Naval Research (ONR) marks its 80th anniversary. For 80 years, ONR — including headquarters, ONR Global and the Naval Research Laboratory — has been a leader in advancing American naval warfighter readiness and dominance through innovations in science and technology for the Navy and Marine Corps. Today, ONR’s continued dedication to providing the Fleet and Force with the technological edge is catalyzing the advancement and delivery of combat systems, sensors, weapons, materials, robotic and autonomous systems and numerous other state-of-the-art, naval platforms and capabilities.