The Military Compact Descender® (MCD®)
The MCD is a Personal Lowering Device designed for military safety. The MCD enables soldiers to descend using just one hand, freeing the other hand for action.
- Kits can be customized to content, length of rope, and packaging
- Dual braking system, including both an active & passive brake
- Technora rope that is specifically designed for strength retention in chemical exposures
- High-heat aramid fiber rope with a tensile strength exceeding 6,700 lbs. (3045 kg)
- ANSI minimum temperature: -40°C
- 3rd party certified by TÜV SÜD as meeting the CE certification EN341: 2011/2D and 3rd party certified by UL as meeting ANSI/ASSP Z359.9-2021
- MCD-G:
- ANSI load rating: 130 lbs – 310 lbs to 180 meters
- EN load rating: 60 kg – 125 kg to 180 meters - MCD-G+:
- ANSI load rating: 130 lbs – 310 lbs to 210 meters
- EN load rating: 60 kg - 125 kg to 210 meters
- EN load rating: 60 kg - 141 kg to 160 meters
US ARMED FORCES
The MCD is designed for self-descent, assisted descent, gear lowering, evacuation, and assisted rescue operations.
Its hands-free braking system enables tactical positioning by freeing both hands for critical tasks, including weapon deployment.
The MCD can be deployed from both moving and static structures and is suitable for use in urban, wooded, and mountainous environments.
FIRST RESPONDERS & SWAT TEAMS
The MCD is utilized by first responders and SWAT officers for self-descent, assisted descent, gear lowering, evacuation, and assisted rescue.
Its hands-free braking system allows for tactical positioning, freeing both hands to carry out critical objectives, including weapon deployment.
The MCD can be deployed from both moving and static structures and is suitable for use on any elevated structure, including buildings and bridges.
US NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE
The MCD is utilized by United States Forest Service personnel for self-descent, assisted descent, gear lowering, evacuation, and assisted rescue.
Its hands-free braking system allows for tactical positioning, freeing both hands for critical tasks.
The MCD can be deployed from both moving and static structures and is suitable for use in wooded and mountainous environments.
SECURITY EQUIPMENT
The MCD is specialized security officer equipment designed for self-descent, assisted descent, gear lowering, evacuation, and assisted rescue. This device enables a controlled descent with a hands-free braking system.
The MCD provides a reliable means of escape in high-risk situations when standard exits are unavailable or compromised.
It is particularly suited for urban environments, including hotels, office buildings, and other high-rise structures.
Women Owned Small Business
Since 2002, our female-led team has delivered innovative, life-saving technologies to industries worldwide, including aerospace, energy, and construction.
Custom Solutions
TSL provides a full range of consulting services—from safety assessments to custom product design—and is trusted by leading organizations such as Bell Helicopter, GE, and Duke Energy.
Certified
ISO 9001:2015 certified across multiple domains, including Rescue Training, Rescue System Design, Fall Protection Equipment, and Rescue Consulting Services.
Rooted in the mission of saving lives.
Inspired by the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Diane Waghorne felt a profound calling to develop safer ways for people to evacuate from perilous situations. Her research led her to a device designed for emergency descent in dangerous conditions. Recognizing its life-saving potential, Diane acquired the patent for the Military Compact Descender (MCD) and brought its manufacturing to North Texas.
Driven by her passion for incident prevention and her unwavering commitment to safety across all industries, Diane established Tech Safety Lines (TSL) as a trusted leader in rescue solutions.
Today, Tech Safety Lines operates from two training centers in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, with more than 50,000 rescue kits deployed in over 35 countries worldwide.