Originally Posted By: bones
http://www.bcbin.com/Default.aspx?cid=17

Location Marker Balloon
CK409

Developed for the UK MOD, the BCB location marker balloon is a bespoke product designed to meet exacting military requirements.The balloon's primary function is as a visual beacon for helicopter pilots extracting personnel from dense jungle. The balloon floats above the canopy creating a radar signature and can be fitted with light discs (see below) for low light / night time operations. The smallest and lightest product of its kind available today.

136 litre radar reflective balloon
75m (250ft) teather line
Flow regulated valve
Can be operated in minutes
Non-flammable / non-toxic helium gas
Vacuum sealed
Length: 35.1cm (13.5")
Max diameter: 8.06cm (3.1")
Max operation time: 120 hours
Weight: 1.6 Kg (3.5lb)
NSN: 4240-99-366-5580



The URL seems to have moved here: BCB Marker Balloon
This Fox News report says the price is "under $300".
The "Rescue Me Balloon" people are trying to get their product started, claiming a price point of under $50 for their emergency signaling balloon / rescue balloon.

Their Kickstarter campaign is here: Rescue Me Balloon at Kickstarter

Here's their youtube video (also on the Kickstarter page):
[video:youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ONtHFPgZEc[/video]

and another version:
[video:youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxFbC6t4PWY#t=10[/video]

and their website: http://www.rescuemeballoon.org/
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A signal mirror should backup a radio distress signal, like a 406 MHz PLB (ACR PLB) (Ocean Signal PLB)