Battelle's Grappling Hook Technology Featured in Upcoming Episode of Discovery Channel's Man Vs. Wild


COLUMBUS, OH--(Marketwire - March 1, 2011) - A Battelle-designed pneumatic launcher, or grappling hook gun, is used by survival expert and extreme adventurer Bear Grylls in the new season of the popular Man Vs. Wild television show.

The technology, also called the Tactical Air Initiated Launch (or TAIL) system, was designed for use by U.S. Special Operations Forces. It's incorporated into a science-based episode, which takes place in Norway and is set to air on Thursday, March 3 at 9 p.m. EST on Discovery Channel. A preview of the scene, "Tightrope Treachery," can be accessed on Discovery's website at http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/man-vs-wild-tightrope-treachery.html.

As the world's largest, independent research and development organization, Battelle provides innovative solutions to the world's most pressing needs through its four global businesses: Laboratory Management; National Security; Health and Life Sciences; and Energy, Environment and Material Sciences. It advances scientific discovery and application by conducting $6.5 billion in global R&D annually through contract research, laboratory management and technology commercialization. 

Contact Information:

For more information contact:
Katy Delaney
(614) 424-7208

Battelle's TAIL grappling hook gun