Online Since 2001
Online Chat
Order Before 1pm, DPD Next Day Delivery
Online Since 2001
Online Chat
Order Before 1pm, DPD Next Day Delivery
Be Searchable, In an outdoor rescue situation RECCO is a vital peice of equipment for all mountain rescue patrollers, here is the history of RECCO and how they have evolved over the years.
 |
1973Avalanche accident in Åre, SwedenOn December 30, founder Magnus Granhed took part in the rescue after a tragic avalanche accident in Åre, Sweden. Granhed lost a friend and after probing and searching with dogs, he thought there’s got to be a faster way… |
1978Idea, development and KTH thesisBefore today’s RECCO detector was born, a prototype was built at the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology. The transmitting and transponding devices were two separate parts, compared to the one-device detector today. The crucial issue with the original system was that the two parts disturbed each other, which made it hard to have them too close while searching due to signal interference. The picture is taken in Åre, Sweden. Different radio waves of different frequencies were measured over the course of one winter. At this time personal computers didn’t exist. In order to see the difference over a longer period, all instruments were filmed every other hour. These images were then put together to get an idea of the variation in data during the entire season. |
|
 |
1980-81First prototype – R1Magnus Granhed searching with the first prototype in Duved (Åre), Sweden. |
1982RECCO training in Tirol, AustriaOne of the first demonstrations of the system with a prototype in Tyrol with media, avalanche specialists and others involved in avalanche study and search and rescue. |
  |
 |
1983The company RECCO AB is foundedBruno Jelk holding the first handheld RECCO detector called the R1. |
1983First RECCO rescue reflectorThe first attachable RECCO rescue reflector is introduced to the market. It contained a glass diode and was about 10 centimeters long. |
 |
 |
1983Air ZermattThe decision by RECCO to choose Air Zermatt as a key development partner from the beginning was obvious. Air Zermatt is one of the most experienced organizations within the mountain rescue industry. “Beat Perren (Air Zermatt) and Bruno Jelk (mountain rescue Zermatt) have both had a significant impact on the RECCO rescue system from the start, especially during the development phase.” MAGNUS GRANHED, FOUNDER OF RECCO |
1984 |
TrappeurTrappeur is the first brand to integrate RECCO reflectors into ski boots. They were later bought by Rossignol. |
 |
1986Degre7The French brand Degre7 with Patric Vallençant was the first brand to integrate RECCO reflectors into clothing |
1986SwatchSwatch is the first watch maker to integrate a RECCO reflector. |
 |
1987 |
First live rescueThe first live rescue is made with the RECCO system. A woman was localised from a helicopter in Lenzerheide, Switzerland. R2RECCO R2 was introduced. |
 |
1991R3RECCO R3 was introduced. |
1992 |
NATORECCO started working with NATO and equipped the Norwegian armed forces. |
 |
1995R5Bruno Jelk testing the RECCO detector R5. Compared to the previous model at 16 kg, the R5 had a weight of 1,6 kg! The lighter weight of the R5 marked a revolutionary step forward making the transport to the avalanche scene as well as the search much easier. |
1996–2008Development phaseThe introduction of smaller mobile phones at a rapid pace opened up the development of lighter and more powerful models of RECCO detectors. The RECCO reflectors are also going under an extensive development phase with smaller units which had more placement possibilities. |
 |
 |
2009R9Bruno Jelk testing the RECCO R9. This model was revolutionary being the first handheld detector with the possibility to search for both transceivers and RECCO reflectors. |
2014D1The first prototype of the helicopter detector is tested. Different from today’s helicopter detector, this unit was placed directly under the helicopter and not hanging beneath it. |
 |
 |
2015D3The RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector is introduced for the first time. It would take a few years of development before the first country is fully covered with the system. |
2016RECCO SAR Helicopter DetectorThe current model of the RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector is introduced. |
|
 |
2017Freeride World TourRECCO is official safety parner to Freeride World Tour. All athletes competing at Freeride World Tour, Freeride World Qualifier and Freeride Junior Tour events are equipped with a RECCO reflector as part of their mandatory safety gear. |
2018Austria is coveredAustria is the first country to be fully covered by the RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector, in collaboration with the Austrian Police and Austrian Mountain Rescue Organisation ÖBRD. The roll-out process continues parallel with first placements Switzerland, Italy, Sweden and Norway. |
 |
   |
2018RECCO consumer productsNew RECCO rescue belt, RECCO helmet reflector and RECCO backpack reflectors are introduced to the consumer market. You can also find the Recco intergrated the TerraWest Core 22 Backpack. |
2019RECCO is in 28 countries worldwideMt Hotham is the first ski resort in Australia to receive a RECCO handheld detector for avalanche rescue. This is the 28th country to be operational with the RECCO rescue system. |
 |
“It is a great advantage to be able to live off your idea, but it is nothing compared to meeting someone who tells you they are alive because of your idea.” – Magnus Granhed, founder of RECCO AB
With years of experience and development, RECCO is known worldwide, Wear RECCO and reduce Mountain rescue search time dramatically, Whether your skiing or taking part in your summer activities RECCO is there to help you in the case of a outdoor rescue situation. Find out more about Recco here:
It’s important to stay safe and have the correct training when skiing or snowboarding off-piste please check out further blogs below:
If you would like to feature a blog about your organisation or experience in the snow please feel free to contact us on info@snowsafe.co.uk or 01273 003925. We are happy to take guest blogs linking back to your website.
