Featured in SAFE Association winter 2024 Safe News
Founded by Englishman George J. Capewell in 1881, Capewell used its patented automated machines to mass produce horseshoe nails for the U.S. Army Cavalry. For decades, the company grew and prospered based on this single high-demand product that no one else could match.
As time marched on and the automobile replaced horse-drawn vehicles, Capewell expanded into new opportunities. In 1939, with the advent of U.S. Army Airborne units, Capewell embarked on another collaboration with the U.S. government, this time to develop specialized hardware – the Capewell Parachute Release – for military paratroopers. The U.S. Army adopted the Capewell Parachute Release in 1942, which – for the first time – allowed jumpers to quickly release their parachutes once on the ground to prevent being dragged. Capewell is immensely proud that since the inception of Airborne parachute units were formed at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1942, “Capewells” are still indispensable safety equipment of military and sport parachutists worldwide.
Capewell continues to evolve its capability set that includes a full suite of survivability solutions – lifesaving innovations and high-performance solutions for operations in high-risk environments. On land, in the air, or at sea, Capewell engineers a broad range of lifesaving products, many of which have become industry standard, including: integrated flotation devices that keep your head out of the water if unconscious; emergency breathing systems that give you access to air if you’re trapped underwater; combat and flotation vests that include attachments and accessories to increase survivability; tactical equipment like infantry parachute hardware, pilot harnesses and vests, combat vests and plate carriers, and a range of accessories; specialized mission-specific kit harnesses, including enhanced and custom Helicopter Egress System for Passengers; deployable refill stations, compressors, custom-packed cases, and cleaning kits; helicopter hoists, hooks, and ladders supporting water and land operations, just to name a few.
Today – guided by our values of Trust, Honesty, Accountability, Humility, Respect, and Excellence – Capewell stands as a global leader in Aerial Delivery and Survivability/Life Support Solutions that enable mission success. For decades, Capewell has supplied the Department of Defense, Allies, and Partners with a broad range of products that withstand today’s dangerous operating environments. Our experts work with military, law enforcement, humanitarian agencies, and other organizations who support defense initiatives around the world to develop innovative solutions that meet their specific needs. Capewell has helped hundreds of organizations conceive, engineer, prototype, manufacture, and field test products that perform flawlessly under the most extreme conditions. We continue to innovate and work diligently to provide best-in-class solutions that meet and exceed customer requirements and expectations.