126m Korean Backpack  Pneumatic Line Thrower for River Rescue

The 126m Korean style backpack thrower launches a rescue rope up to 126 meters on land and 79 meters over water.Built around a 200bar compressed air system, this pneumatic line thrower.
This backpack thrower layout keeps the whole kit on one operator, ideal for riverside teams.

One rescuer carries it, charges from a portable air cylinder, and fires a floating rope across the water , the projectile auto-inflates a lifebuoy within 5 seconds of hitting water.

On this page
What Is the Korean Style Thrower
Technical Parameters
What's in the Box
Throwing Distance
Auto-Inflating Lifebuoy
Applications
How to Use: 4 Steps
Packaging and Shipping
FAQ

What Is the Korean Style Pneumatic Line Thrower?
In a real rescue, the operator aims at the far bank or the person in water, fires once.
The whole operation takes under 10 seconds , faster than throwing a bag by hand and reaching much further.
By comparison, a hand-thrown rescue bag only reaches 20 to 30 meters and requires the rescuer to be close to the water edge, which is dangerous during floods or fast currents.
The pneumatic line thrower is a compressed-air powered rescue device.
Instead of a hand-thrown throw bag, it uses 20MPa (200bar) breathing air to launch a weighted projectile trailing a floating rope.
The projectile carries either a plain rescue line or an auto-inflating lifebuoy shell.
The Korean style refers to the backpack form factor.Unlike the American gun-style unit which weighs up to 13kg, this backpack portable pneumatic line thrower
Is a compact launcher under 3.5kg.
A single operator carries it on shore, aims across the water, and fires.
The whole operation takes under 60 seconds from bag-on-ground to rope-deployed.This is the classic backpack portable pneumatic line thrower design that East Asian river rescue teams have used for decades.
The launcher body is aircraft-grade aluminum with a matte orange finish.
The high-pressure gauge glows in low light, so operators can read the pressure at night.
Or in low-visibility conditions.
A safety pin blocks the trigger until the operator is ready , this prevents accidental discharge during transport or handling.
The quick-connect air inlet seals against hose pressure up to 25MPa, giving a safety margin above the 20MPa working pressure.
The Korean style design is proven in river rescue teams across East Asia and Southeast Asia.It is the most widely copied form factor in the pneumatic line thrower.

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit	Note
Model	PTQ20-Y100S70	,	Korean style backpack
Working pressure	20	MPa (200bar)	Breathing air
Land range	126	meters	Optimal angle
Water range	79	meters	Open water
Launcher weight	< 3.5	kg	Complete unit
Projectile weight	> 1.5	kg	Each shell
Rope breaking strength	≥ 2000	N	Minimum
Flight time	3-5	seconds	Per shot
Buoyancy	≥ 8	kg	Per lifebuoy
Rope length	120	meters	Floating line
Rope diameter	6	mm	Standard rescue rope
Standard	GB/T 27906-2011		China national standard

The table below summarizes the key specifications.
Pay attention to three numbers: 20MPa working pressure, 120m land range and 3.5kg total weight , these define whether this pneumatic line thrower unit fits your procurement specification.
The rope diameter is a standard 6mm floating rescue rope, suitable for water rescue tensile requirements.

What's in the Box
For extended training or daily use, the optional electric air pump fills the 200bar cylinder in about 5 minutes.
Without it, a hand pump takes 15 minutes.
and more effort.
Bulk buyers often order two pumps per ten units.
The pump runs on 220V household power and plugs into any standard wall socket, making it practical for fire stations and rescue bases.

#	Item	Qty	Purpose
1	Launch host	1 pc	Main launcher unit
2	0.5L launch gas cylinder	1 pc	Demo/training charge
3	Inflatable tube (hose)	1 pc	Connects external air supply
4	Rescue rope	120m	Floating line, ≥2000N
5	16g CO2 small cylinder	2 pcs	Lifebuoy inflation
6	Water-soluble tablets	2 pcs	Trigger dissolution in water
7	Lifebuoy protective shell	5 pcs	Launch projectile casing
8	Self-inflating lifebuoy	1 pc	5-second auto inflate
9	Handbag (carry bag)	1 pc	Storage and transport

The kit contents below show exactly what arrives in the carrying bag.
Every item serves a specific rescue function , nothing is filler.
The 5 protective shells are reusable.
After each shot, recover the shell, replace the CO2 cartridge and tablet, and fire again.
Optional: 5L steel cylinder, 6.8L carbon fiber cylinder, high-pressure air pump, spare floating rope.
Each item in the kit has a specific job.
The launch host is the gun itself , barrel, trigger, safety.
The 0.5L cylinder inside the pneumatic line thrower body holds a small amount of air for initial test firing.
The rescue rope winds onto a spool that mounts on the side of the pneumatic line thrower.
The CO2 cartridges and tablets go inside each shell.
The lifebuoy shell is the projectile.
The carry bag is designed for quick access.
Everything fits inside in a logical layout: launcher in the main compartment, rope spool in the side pocket, CO2 and tablets in the inner pocket.
When an emergency call comes in, the operator grabs the bag and is ready to deploy in under a minute.
No searching for missing parts , everything has its place.

Throwing Distance
On land with calm weather and 45-degree angle, the projectile reaches 110-126m.
Over water, rope drag and wind reduce range to 60-79m.
Plan for the lower number in open water or crosswind.
This handheld life pneumatic line thrower is designed for bridges between shore and water, not long-range artillery.
Most river, lake and ship-to-ship rescue happens within 100 meters , exactly where this pneumatic line thrower unit performs.
Three factors reduce range in the field.
First, launch angle: 45 degrees is optimal, but in a hurry operators often fire too flat, wasting distance.
wind: a 10km/h crosswind pushes the light projectile sideways by several meters.
Third, rope condition: a wet or muddy rope drags more than a dry one.
Plan your shot for the most demanding realistic condition, not the spec sheet best case.
For procurement teams writing specifications, we recommend stating "minimum 70m water range" rather than the headline 79m.
This gives a realistic margin for variable conditions.
The 126m land range is a spec-sheet figure achieved under calm conditions; expect 100-110m in real training.

The 6mm Floating Rescue Rope
The rope is the consumable that gets the most use.
This unit comes with a 6mm diameter floating rescue rope, 120 meters long.
It is designed to float on the water surface.
The rope material is a blend of polyester and polypropylene: polyester provides strength and UV resistance, polypropylene provides buoyancy.
Rope breaking strength is rated at minimum 2000N.
That is enough for one-person water rescue , pulling a conscious.
Or unconscious swimmer to shore.
It is not designed for heavy loads like anchor hook descent or vehicle recovery.
If your team needs to pull heavier loads, see the American gun style with its 8mm main line rated for anchor hook work.
The rope winds onto a storage spool that mounts on the pneumatic line thrower.
After each deployment, rewind the rope smoothly without tangles.
A twisted or knotted rope creates drag and reduces range.
We recommend rewinding immediately after training, not leaving the rope in a tangled pile.
Spare rope spools are available separately.
We recommend keeping at least one spare 120m rope per unit , ropes get worn, abraded, or lost in fast current.
A rescue unit without a spare rope is not mission-ready.
When inspecting the rope, look for frayed sections, melted spots from friction, or discoloration.
Replace immediately if any of these appear.

Auto-Inflating Lifebuoy
Each shell contains a folded ring, a 16g CO2 cartridge and a water-soluble tablet.
When the shell hits water, the tablet dissolves, triggers the CO2, and the ring inflates in under 5 seconds with over 8kg buoyancy.
After use, replace the cartridge and tablet to reset.

How the CO2 System Works
The launcher fires using two gas sources.
The main power comes from the 0.5L external air cylinder filled to 15-20MPa with breathing-grade compressed air.
That is what pushes the projectile out of the barrel.
The 16g CO2 cartridge inside each shell is separate , it only inflates the lifebuoy after the shell hits water.
The water-soluble tablet is the trigger.
It is a compressed tablet of material that dissolves in water within a few seconds.
When it dissolves, it releases a spring.
The CO2 gas rushes into the folded ring and inflates it.
This system is purely mechanical , no electronics, no batteries, no failure points from water damage.
CO2 cartridges are consumables.
Each shell uses one 16g cartridge.
After a rescue or training shot, you must replace the cartridge and the tablet before the next use.
We recommend keeping spare cartridges and tablets in the carry bag.
A typical team carries 10-20 spare cartridges and tablets for extended operations.
Storage conditions matter.
Keep cartridges and tablets in a dry, cool place.
More importantly, safety: hand-throwing requires stepping close to the water edge, where slips and current drag are real risks.
A pneumatic thrower fires from a safe distance back from the bank.
That is why fire departments and water authorities buy pneumatic units, not throw bags.

Applications
The rescue rope is the consumable part of any pneumatic line thrower.
This 6mm orange floating rope stays visible in water, floats for hours.
Replace it every two years or after 50 training shots.
The bright orange color means rescuers can spot it quickly in low light or choppy water, which matters when seconds count.
The marine pneumatic line thrower version is common on tugboats, pilot boats and harbor patrol vessels.As a marine rescue rope launcher
On land, water rescue teams carry it in the rescue truck.
Typical use cases: river rescue, lake patrol, emergency flood rescue equipment, ship-to-ship transfer, industrial waterfront safety, and training drills.
In river rescue, the team positions above the victim in the current, fires a line across, and lets the victim grab the floating rope.
The 79m water range covers most mid-size river crossings.
For narrow mountain streams, even 40m is enough , the pneumatic line thrower unit is over-qualified but reliable.
In flood relief, this pneumatic line thrower is packed alongside boats, pumps and life vests.
Urban flooding often leaves victims on rooftops or inside cars cut off by water.
The thrower bridges the gap when boats cannot reach through debris or shallow water.
On commercial vessels, SOLAS requires a line throwing appliance on board.

This model meets that requirement for ships operating near shore.
It stores in the carry bag on the boat deck.
As a standard rescue line throwing appliance, it sits alongside life rafts and EPIRBs on the safety equipment manifest.
Bridge rescue is a classic scenario.
When a person falls from a bridge into the river below, the team on the bridge deck can fire a rope down to the water surface.
The 79m water range easily covers the distance from bridge to water.
Bridge maintenance crews also use it for line transfer between the bridge deck and work boats below.
Swimming area safety is another growing use.
Lakeside resorts, public beaches.
A lifeguard can fire a line to a struggling swimmer 50-70 meters out , farther than any hand-thrown throw bag.
Many beach safety teams now carry both a throw bag for close work and a pneumatic thrower for long range.
Industrial waterfront safety is a quieter but important use case.
Dams, reservoirs, water treatment plants.
If a worker falls into the water near a dam structure.
Industrial safety managers often specify this pneumatic line thrower unit alongside life jackets, first aid kits and defibrillators on their facility safety equipment list.
Is this the right unit? Best for river, lake, flood and ship-to-ship rescue within 80m. NOT for 200m+ range , see the 230m long range thrower. For anchor hook rescue on buildings, see the anchor hook thrower.

How to Use: 4 Steps
Step 1 Inspect: Check launcher, gauge, safety pin, hose and rope.
Step 2 Connect: Attach hose to external cylinder (5L steel or 6.8L carbon).
Step 3 Aim and Fire: Shoulder the pneumatic line thrower, aim above target, squeeze trigger.
Step 4 Recover: Pull rope back, recover shell, replace CO2 and tablet, reset safety pin.
A new operator should practice with low pressure and dry runs until the trigger sequence feels automatic.
We recommend at least a half-day familiarization drill: inspect, connect, charge, aim at a safe target, fire, recover, reset.
Teams that train regularly deploy faster under real stress.
Never modify the pneumatic line thrower, never exceed 20MPa working pressure, never point the barrel at anyone.
The recoil on this pneumatic line thrower is manageable for one operator, but the barrel direction must be controlled at all times.
Two-person operation is recommended for new teams: one fires, one manages the rope.

How the Trigger Works
The trigger is a simple mechanical valve.
When you pull the trigger, it opens a high-pressure valve that releases compressed air from the external cylinder into the pneumatic line thrower chamber.
The air rushes past the projectile and pushes it out the barrel.
When you release the trigger, the valve closes , the shot stops immediately.
This means you control the shot length by how long you hold the trigger.
A short squeeze fires a shorter shot; a longer hold fires farther.
In practice, most operators fire a single quick squeeze per shot.
The system is designed for one shot per trigger pull , you cannot hold the trigger and keep firing continuously.
The safety pin blocks the trigger from being pulled.
Always keep the safety pin engaged until you are ready to fire.
After firing, reinsert the safety pin immediately.
This prevents accidental discharge during rope recovery or movement between positions.

Safety Warnings
Never point the pneumatic line thrower at people, animals or property.
Keep the safety pin engaged until ready to fire.
Do not exceed 20MPa working pressure.
Wear eye protection during practice shots.
Bystanders should stay behind the firing position.
Do not disassemble the pneumatic line thrower body. It is not user-serviceable internally.
The external cylinder is a pressure vessel , do not drop it or expose it to fire.
Only use breathing-grade air, never industrial compressed air.
Proper training is required before live rescue use.

Training and Drills
A new operator should not fire this pneumatic line thrower unit at a real rescue scene without practice.
We recommend a structured training progression: first, classroom familiarization , identify every part, understand the pressure system.
Second, dry runs with zero pressure , practice the trigger sequence, aiming posture, and rope management.
Third, low-pressure live fire at a safe target , experience the recoil, learn how the projectile flies.
Fourth, full-pressure drills over water or at a safe range.
Annual recertification is standard practice for rescue teams.
A 4-hour refreshers covers: equipment inspection, gas system charging, live firing at a simulated target, rope recovery and reset, and emergency troubleshooting (what to do if the gun won't fire.
For procurement teams, training is a budget line item, not an afterthought.
A rescue unit without trained operators is just expensive equipment.
We recommend budgeting for at least two operators per unit, with one backup operator per team.
The unit itself is simple , the skill is in the hands of the operator.

Which Model to Choose? Compare Three

The comparison table below helps you decide between the three closest models.
Focus on range, weight and carry style , not price alone.

Simply: under 80m choose this pneumatic line thrower unit; for 170m portable see the 170m portable thrower; for 230m+ see the 230m long range thrower.

Specification	This: Korean 126m	Portable 170m	Long Range 230m
Land range	126m	170m	200-230m
Water range	79m	120m	130-210m
Pressure	20MPa	7MPa	8.5MPa
Weight	<3.5kg	<3kg	7.5kg
Best for	River/lake/ship	Portable long shot	Wide area long range

Who Buys This Korean Style Thrower?
Based on our export experience, the Korean style backpack unit is most commonly ordered by: water rescue teams and river patrol units; fire department water rescue brigades; harbor pilot stations and port authorities.
Lake patrol and fisheries enforcement; flood relief and civil defense organizations; and rescue training centers.
Less common buyers: offshore oil rigs (they need the long range 230m unit); ship-to-ship rescue crews (they prefer the American gun with anchor hook).
If you are not sure which category you fall into, email us your scenario and we will recommend.

Packaging, Shipping and Consumables
Each unit packs in an orange carry bag, then into a standard export carton.
Carton size approx.
55×40×35cm, gross weight approx.
8-10kg.
Sample orders: express delivery (DHL/FedEx), 7-10 days door to door.
Bulk orders: sea freight FCL or LCL, FOB/CIF/EXW accepted.

CO2 cartridges:
Class 2.2 dangerous goods, shipped separately, not inside the product carton.
Consumables supply: CO2 cartridges (16g/33g/45g), water-soluble tablets, lifebuoy shells, spare ropes and seals are consumables available for repeat orders.
For bulk procurement, a 20ft container typically holds several hundred units depending on the full configuration (with external cylinders or not).
Exact container loading depends on whether you order with 5L steel cylinders.
6.8L carbon cylinders, air pumps and spare rope spools.
Email us with your full configuration list and destination port, we will calculate the most cost-effective shipping arrangement.

Custom Options for Bulk Orders
For bulk orders (typically 10 units and above), we offer several customization options:
OEM logo printing: Your organization's logo printed on the pneumatic line thrower body and the carry bag. Pantone color matching available for consistent brand colors.
Custom bag color: The standard bag is orange. We can produce in other colors for teams that match their existing rescue gear , common alternatives are red, yellow and navy blue.
Configuration flexibility: Choose your external cylinder type , 5L steel cylinder or 6.8L carbon fiber cylinder. Choose your rope length , 100m, 120m or 150m. Choose how many spare CO2 cartridges and tablets to include per unit.
Product labeling: Technical labels in your local language, if needed. Standard labels are in English.
Customization has a minimum order quantity , typically 10 units for logo printing, 50 units for custom bag color.
Sample units in standard configuration dispatch faster than customized units. faster than customized units
If you need custom branding, plan lead time accordingly.
When procurement teams evaluate a korean style rescue thrower, they compare weight, water range, and whether it works as a backpack portable pneumatic line thrower for one-person deployment.
This unit hits all three: under 3.5kg, 79m water range, and a true backpack design.
For teams transitioning from throw bag rescue to a handheld life pneumatic line thrower, this is the standard first upgrade.

Certification and FAQ

Beyond rivers and flood response (see NOAA flood safety guidance), this pneumatic rescue thrower serves marine operations.
Vessels use it to throw a line to another boat, a dock or a person overboard , no need for a line gun or separate marine throwing appliance.
Tugboat crews, pilot boats and port authority teams commonly carry one (the Red Cross water safety program recommends reach-or-throw-not-go as the first response) as standard safety equipment on board.
This unit meets GB/T 27906-2011 national standard.Product spec sheets and technical data are available for reference.

Maintenance Schedule

When	What to Check
Before each use	Pressure gauge, safety pin, hose condition, rope wear, shell loaded
After each use	Clean unit and bag, replace spent CO2, recover shells
Monthly	Seal condition, rope fraying, bag zipper
Annually	External cylinder hydro test per regulation, full service, replace aging seals
As needed	Replace CO2 after use, replace damp tablets, replace worn rope

Rope Care and Storage
The 6mm floating rope is the consumable that gets the most wear.
After every deployment, rinse it with fresh water to remove mud, sand and river chemicals.
Hang it to dry before rewinding onto the spool.
A wet rope stored in the bag will develop mildew and lose strength over time.
Inspect the rope before each use.
Look for frayed sections, melted spots from friction, or discoloration.
If you see any of these, replace the rope.
A rescue rope that snaps at the wrong moment is a serious safety failure.
Spare 120m rope spools are available separately , keep at least one spare per unit.
Store the rope spool in the carry bag with the pneumatic line thrower, not in direct sunlight.
UV light degrades polyester rope over time.
A dark, dry storage area extends rope life significantly.
If the pneumatic line thrower unit is stored in a rescue truck or equipment room, keep it in a closed cabinet rather than against a window.
Is the CO2 cartridge dangerous for shipping?
CO2 cartridges are Class 2.2 dangerous goods and ship under regulated terms.
We ship them separately via dangerous goods channels.
The launcher itself goes as standard non-hazardous cargo.

Can I use it below zero?
Operating range -10°C to 45°C.
In freezing conditions, ensure cylinder and hose are free of ice before charging.

How long does the lifebuoy stay inflated?
Inflates in under 5 seconds, provides over 8kg buoyancy for hours.
Replace CO2 cartridge and tablet after use.

What is the rope breaking strength?
Minimum 2000N, designed for one-person water rescue.
For anchor hook loads up to 330kg, see the American style or anchor hook model.

How many shots per cylinder?
A single 200bar charge supports multiple launches.
Field teams typically get 6+ shots per fill with a 5L or 6.8L external cylinder connected to the pneumatic line thrower.

Korean vs American style?
The Korean pneumatic line thrower is lightweight under 3.5kg for one-person river rescue.
The American marine rescue rope launcher is gun-style under 13kg with two ropes and titanium anchor hook for marine and fire teams.

How far in practice?
Spec is 126m land / 79m water.
Real range depends on launch angle, wind and rope condition.

Plan for the lower number in open water.

Is it certified for fire procurement?
This rescue line throwing appliance meets GB/T 27906-2011 national standard.
Product spec sheets available for your tender file.
Contact us with your specific requirements.

What is the MOQ?
Flexible MOQ.
Sample orders welcome for evaluation.
Volume pricing and lead time are confirmed per contract.

How to recharge the cylinder?
Use a high-pressure breathing air compressor or external air bank.
Charge to 15-20MPa via quick-connect hose.

What is the service life?

Launcher body is a durable component.
Seals, ropes and CO2 cartridges are wear items swapd as needed. consumables replaced as needed.
Annual inspection recommended.

Can I buy spare parts separately?
Yes.
CO2 cartridges, tablets, shells, ropes and seals are available separately.
Contact us for consumables pricing.

Can you print our logo?
Yes.
OEM logo on bag and unit body.
Pantone color and custom packaging available for bulk orders.

What is the delivery time?
Samples ship in 7-10 days.
Bulk lead time depends on quantity.
Confirmed per contract.

What Incoterms do you accept?
FOB, CIF and EXW.
Shipping to your nearest port.

CO2 cartridges ship via separate dangerous goods channels.

What comes in the standard package?
The complete kit includes: launcher, 0.5L cylinder, hose, 120m rope, 2x16g CO2, 2 tablets, 5 shells, 1 lifebuoy and carry bag.

How much does a pneumatic line thrower cost?
Price varies by configuration (external cylinder type, quantity, OEM customization).
Wholesale pricing available for bulk orders.

What documents do you provide for tender?
We provide product spec sheet, packing list and commercial invoice as standard.
For specific GB/T related documents, email us your requirements and we will confirm what can be provided.
This pneumatic line thrower works best within 80m. For 200m+ see the 230m unit. For anchor hook rescue see the anchor hook thrower. For 640m extreme range see PTQ13 series.

Related Products
If you are looking at this Korean-style unit, you may also need:
American Style Rescue Thrower (PTQ20-Y125S100) , 20MPa, 135m land / 105m water, titanium anchor hook, dual rope system
Portable Lightweight Thrower (PTQ7.0-Y150S100) , Under 3kg, 170m land / 120m water, CO2 powered
Anchor Hook Rescue Thrower (PTQ7-Y150S110Q55) , 165m land / 110m water / 60m anchor hook
Long Range Rescue Thrower (PTQ8.5-Y230S210) , 230m land / 210m water, for wide rivers and offshore

Browse by Scenario
Looking for equipment for a specific rescue scenario?
Browse our scenario-based collections:
Water Rescue Equipment Collection , throwers + life jackets + rescue ropes for river, lake and flood operations
Fire Fighting & Rescue Equipment , breathing apparatus + rescue throwers + protective gear for fire brigades
Flood Relief Supplies , tents + blankets + rescue throwers + emergency kits for disaster relief

View All Models
Browse our complete pneumatic line thrower range , from 126m portable units to 640m extreme range systems.
Compare all 8 models side by side to find the right fit for your team.
Related Models
American Style Gun Thrower (135m) - Compare with the 135m American gun model for ship-to-ship work.

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