Description
Compact Inflatable Rescue System for Emergency Response up to 20 Metres
The Sonmez SMZ 20 Safety Air Cushion is a rapid-deployment inflatable rescue system designed for emergency evacuation and rescue operations from height. Suitable for fire and rescue services, industrial emergency response teams and specialist rescue units, the SMZ 20 provides a controlled landing area when conventional evacuation routes are unavailable or inaccessible.
Designed for single-person use per rescue cycle, the SMZ 20 combines a compact deployment footprint, lightweight construction and rapid inflation. Using compressed air cylinders for deployment, the cushion can be operational in 40 seconds or less and is designed to return to service in under 15 seconds between rescue cycles.
Manufactured from durable neoprene-based materials, the SMZ 20 is designed to resist moisture, abrasion, tearing and environmental exposure while providing a practical rescue solution for incidents involving structures up to 20 metres in height.
Key Features
- Maximum operating height up to 20 metres
- Inflation time of 40 seconds or less
- Recovery time of 15 seconds or less
- Single-person use per rescue cycle
- Minimum three-person operating crew
- Lightweight design at approximately 75 kg
- Durable neoprene construction
- Waterproof, flame-resistant and abrasion-resistant materials
- Resistant to acids and environmental exposure
- Multi-chamber inflatable design
- Automatic air-blocking impact absorption system
- Designated landing zone (drop point)
- High-visibility reflective bands
- Integrated carrying handles
- DIN 14151 T1-T3 compliant
- Compact 4.5m × 4.5m deployment footprint
- Includes air cylinder adaptor
How the SMZ 20 Works
The Sonmez SMZ 20 uses a multi-chamber inflatable design to create a controlled landing area during emergency rescue and evacuation operations.
When a person lands on the cushion, the structure temporarily deforms to absorb impact forces. The SMZ 20 incorporates an automatic air-blocking system that activates during impact, closing the opening to the lower chamber and helping absorb the kinetic energy generated by the landing. This design assists in reducing rebound while preparing the cushion for subsequent rescue operations.
Following use, the cushion automatically returns to its operational shape and can be quickly prepared for the next rescue cycle.
Applications
Emergency Rescue Operations from Height
The Sonmez SMZ 20 is suitable for:
Fire and Rescue Services
Emergency Services
Industrial Emergency Response Teams
Mining Operations
Defence Organisations
Commercial Facilities
Specialist Rescue Units
Emergency Response Training Exercises
Why Choose the Sonmez SMZ 20?
The SMZ 20 offers an effective balance of deployment speed, portability and operational capability. With a compact footprint of just 4.5m × 4.5m and an operating weight of approximately 75 kg, it is well suited to organisations requiring a rescue cushion that can be transported, stored and deployed with minimal space requirements.
Its compressed-air deployment system enables rapid setup in less than 40 seconds, while the automatic recovery design helps maintain operational readiness between rescue cycles.
For organisations responding to incidents involving buildings and structures up to 20 metres in height, the SMZ 20 provides a practical and transportable rescue solution.
Technical Specifications
Maximum Operating Height: Up to 20 m
Operating Personnel: Minimum 3
Installed Dimensions: 4 m × 4 m × 2 m
Ground Area Required: Minimum 4.5 m × 4.5 m
Weight: 75 kg (±5%)
Working Pressure: 0.3 bar
Inflation Time: ≤ 40 sec
Re-inflation Time: ≤ 15 sec
Temperature Range: -20°C to +50°C*
Capacity: One person per rescue cycle
Air Supply: 2 × 6.0L or 6.8L compressed air cylinders (not included)
Compliance: DIN 14151 T1-T3
Shipping Dimensions: 120 cm × 70 cm × 60 cm
Shipping Weight: approx 72 kg
*Based on Australian supplied model specifications.
Included Features:
- Designated landing zone (drop point)
- Reflective visibility bands
- Integrated carrying handles
- Air Cylinder adaptor
- Safety instructions
- Repair kit
FAQ
The SMZ 20 is a smaller and lighter rescue cushion designed for operations up to 20 metres. It requires a smaller deployment area, weighs less and inflates faster, making it suitable for organisations prioritising portability and rapid deployment.
The SMZ 20 is designed to operate with two 6.0L or 6.8L steel or composite compressed air cylinders. Cylinders are supplied separately.
During impact, the system automatically manages airflow between chambers to help absorb kinetic energy and reduce rebound. The cushion then returns to its operational shape ready for subsequent use.
Key considerations include maximum operating height, deployment area requirements, storage space, transport requirements, personnel availability and the types of structures likely to be encountered during emergency response operations. Talk to our team for more information.
Looking for more? See the SMZ 25 for rescue up to 25m





