Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for using nonwoven materials for evacuation slides, life rafts, life vests, and other life-saving inflatable devices. The nonwoven materials have a substrate layer with continuous filaments formed in various directions.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to nonwoven substrate materials that find particular use in connection with evacuation slides, evacuation slide/rafts, life rafts, life preservers/vests, or other emergency flotation devices. Such devices are typically formed from woven substrates, but the present inventors have determined that using nonwoven substrates in connection with such devices can provide improved benefits. The nonwoven substrates further have a gas barrier formed thereon by using layer-by-layer (LBL) nanocoating technology.

Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for using nonwoven materials for evacuation slides, life rafts, life vests, and other life-saving inflatable devices. The nonwoven materials have a substrate layer with continuous filaments formed in various directions.

An afloat structure configured to launch and recover a vehicle includes a ramp having a first end and a second end distal from the first end, a transverse member coupled between a left side and a right side of the ramp at the second end, a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal members extending from the transverse member between the left side and the right side of the ramp, and a plurality of spaced apart arcuate members, each arcuate member coupled to each of the plurality of spaced apart longitudinal members. The longitudinal members and the arcuate members form a guide structure configured to guide the vehicle away or toward the second end of the ramp. A kit may include all of the components of the structure packaged into one or more containers.