PRODUCTS

OCTO-11 is Airborne Systems’ newest static line troop parachute, alongside our legacy T-11 and MC-6 systems.

OCTO-11 features:

• Octagonal crown
• Eight arms with meshed corner vents
• Rotate-to-land capability
• Stable, low rate of descent reduces landing injuries
• Traditional packing / 24 lines
• Fits 5th percentile female through 97th percentile male

Design Concept

After 10 years of service, the T-11 parachute performance and user feedback was analyzed by our Research and Development team. This sparked a major development program aimed at preserving the unique qualities of the T-11 (soft, consistent openings, slow rate of descent and virtually perfect stability) while reducing the number of components, simplifying rigging, reducing packing time, and improving responsiveness to riser slip maneuvers.

We then landed on OCTO-11. This parachute features an octagonal crown and eight arms fitted with horizontal mesh to improve stability. The eight arms are joined to form a continuous hem. The eight small corner vents are meshed to eliminate the risk of jumper entanglement.

The unique design of OCTO-11 allows for smooth progressive opening (4 seconds) and low oscillation after canopy inflation. Two toggles allow the jumper to rotate the canopy along its vertical axis while maintaining its ballistic characteristics. No drive is created, which significantly reduces the chance of canopy collision. OCTO-11 allows the jumper to induce a more efficient riser slip, more quickly than T-11.

Canopy

OCTO-11 is composed of 24 shaped gores, providing radials of equal length. The hem is equipped with an anti-inversion net and no slider is required to control the opening.

Reserve

Octo-11 is fully compatible with T-11R reserve parachute, and has passed compatibility tests across the weight range.

The Marauder is the combination of two of our best ram air parachutes, the Hi-5 and RA-1. The Hi-5 is known for it’s high glide capability, complete with glide modulation. The Intruder® (RA-1) is known for it’s more conservative profile and docile behavior. The Marauder is the perfect combination of the two parachutes, resulting in a new military freefall parachute possessing the best capabilities from both product lines.

Main Canopy

The Marauder is a 9 cell canopy, utilizing the same planform, pressurized end cells, and proven reliability of the Intruder® canopy, fielded by the U.S. Army as RA-1. Utilizing the wingtip geometry and trim from the Intruder® gives the Marauder the same light toggle pressure, stability in deep brakes, on-heading openings, and powerful flare as the proven Intruder® design.
The Marauder features a high-lift airfoil section for the center cells, providing an improved glide ratio over the traditional Intruder®. The Marauder is capable of glide modulation, which was invented by Airborne Systems and used on the Hi-5 parachute series.

Glide Modulation Meets Docile Canopy

Glide modulation is a new technology for parachute control, unique to Airborne Systems. An additional control toggle is installed on the front riser that allows the pilot to smoothly transition the Marauder’s glide ratio from full flight at 4.5:1, down to a steep glide at 1.5:1. Glide modulation allows jumpers to land in small areas using a straight-in approach without deep brakes or low turns. Glide modulation can also achieve any glide ratio within the range, allowing jumpers to build and maintain stacks intuitively, at low closing speeds, which improves safety and reduces training required to achieve high proficiency.

Compatibility

The Marauder main canopy is compatible with the Intruder® (RA-1) or the Hi-5 reserve canopies, and has a pack volume compatible with any container currently equipped with the RA-360 (RA-1) or the Hi-5 370.

Cargo delivery system

Improve military mission capabilities without compromising safety or increasing training requirements. The MicroFly II® is an autonomous cargo delivery system that emphasizes ease of use, flexibility, and low cost. The MicroFly II® Guided Precision Aerial Delivery System (GPADS) is designed to utilize the same canopy as the HAHO/HALO insertion teams which therefore allows both equipment and jumper to land together.

It can also be used in a standalone configuration supplying small weight range payload to designated drop zones. Furthermore, the MicroFly II® may be used as a re-supply to troops on the ground when larger systems such as the Flyclops2K or the Dragonfly10K are not required.

• Deliver cargo to unsafe warzone.
• Guide jumpers to their destination.
• Allow for more accessible equipment upon landing.
• Deliver odd-shaped supplies.

Combo Drops – Unmatched Performance

The MicroFly II® will match the speed and rate of descent of a jumper under canopy, consequently allowing the MicroFly II® to lead the unit to the IP while allowing the unit to remain in close contact with the MicroFly II®. Being in close proximity thus ensures that the unit will therefore not become separated from its equipment and allows the MicroFly II® to be used as a pathfinder to the IP.

Flexibility and Control for a Range of Military Missions

• Keep the unit intact and in control of its equipment throughout the entire insertion phase of the operation.
• Use with any ram-air canopy, including the Airborne Systems Intruder 360® (RA-1), MC-4, MC-5, and others based on mission requirements.
• Rig the MicroFly II® to a bundle in 10 minutes with no pyrotechnic devices.

MicroFly II® – Proven Technology

• 15 lbs lighter than MicroFly®
• Simplified drogue fall rigging
• Removable lithium battery with a six-month maintenance schedule

MicroFly II® – Innovative Design

• Silent slider reduces noise of the system in flight (On Intruder® 360 canopy only).
• Lands autonomously into the wind or along a linear feature such as a road by entering a specific landing zone.
• Fly multiple MicroFly II® systems manually using the handheld remote control unit.
• Comes standard with Airborne Systems jTrax®Mission Planner.*
• Compatible with the current USAF JPADS Mission Planner (JPADS MP).

*The Airborne Systems Mission Planner is capable of running simulated missions in virtual operational environments when using terrain-mapping software.

An Advanced Cargo Delivery Parachute System

The Airborne Systems FireFly® cargo delivery parachute was selected by the U.S. DoD as the system of choice for the U.S. 2,000 lb. Joint Precision Aerial Delivery System (2K JPADS) program. The system’s guidance, navigation and control software analyzes its environment in real time, ensuring accurate payload delivery. Its long-distance capability increases safety for the aircrew and the receiving unit, reducing the need for ground logistics. It is currently being used in operational theater to reliably deliver supplies and equipment to U.S. forces in remote locations.

Accurate, Reliable, and Easy to Use

• Carries unmanned payloads up to 2,200 lbs. (1000 kg)
• Can be dropped from altitudes up to 24,500 feet MSL
• Flies 25 kilometers or more given environmental conditions.
• Lands on target or up to 150 meters maximum of the designated impact point
• Continually adjusts for wind conditions until the final flare to land

This horizontal and vertical separation between the delivery aircraft and the unit receiving supplies increases safety for the air crew and improves security for the receiving unit. The ability to autonomously deliver supplies reduces a deployed unit’s logistical footprint and decreases the number of convoys required to sustain the force.

Mission Planning

Comes standard with Airborne Systems jTrax® Mission Planner. Simulating missions before an actual airdrop allows the aircrew to ensure surrounding terrain will have no effect on the mission.

Compatible with the current U.S. JPADS Mission Planner (JPADS MP); programmable through the mission planner software or the remote control unit.

*The Airborne Systems jTrax® Mission Planner is also capable of running simulated missions using the included terrain mapping software.

Control Unit

The remote control unit offers the following capabilities:

• Provides guidance, navigation, and control software for greater accuracy and better reliability
• Monitors the status of systems while onboard the aircraft prior to drop
• Monitors directional heading during flight ensuring landing on designated impact point.
• Enables manual operator override with handheld device

Family of Systems

The FireFly® is part of a family of GPADS platforms developed and manufactured by Airborne Systems. The MicroFly®, FireFly®, and DragonFly® systems are capable of delivering gross rigged weights from 200 lbs. (90.7 kg) to 10,000 lbs. (4,535 kg). Airborne Systems has also developed the MegaFly® and the GigaFly® which will increase the GRW range up to 42,000 lbs. (19,050 kg). All operate with a common algorithm, user interface, and mission planner. The packing methodology for all systems is identical, so little additional training is required to qualify riggers on different systems.

Safe Delivery of Valuable Cargo – The Cargo Delivery Parachute of Choice

Selected as the cargo delivery parachute system of choice for the U.S. 10,000 lb. Joint Precision Aerial Delivery System (JPADS 10k) program, the Airborne Systems Dragonfly® is a fully autonomous GPS-guided cargo delivery system. Featuring a fully elliptical ram-air parachute canopy, it has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to land within 150 meters of a designated Impact Point.

Accurate and Easy to Use

The DragonFly® AGU is programmed in the same way as all other AGUs manufactured by Airborne Systems. The only data required to place the system into operation is the location of the Impact Point and the system GRW. Wind data can be uploaded into the AGU, but the wind data is not required for operation. Just as a jumper under canopy continuously reads the winds and makes the required corrections, the DragonFly® makes continual corrections until the final flare to land.

• Using only Impact Point data, the Airborne Guidance Unit (AGU) calculates its position four times per second and continually adjusts its flight algorithm to ensure maximum accuracy.
• Has a glide ratio of 3.0:1 for maximum offset capability.
• Can be rigged for extraction or gravity drop.

Modular Design for Packing and Maintenance

A unique modular system allows the AGU to be charged while the canopy is being packed, enabling turnaround times of less than four hours between drops.

The DragonFly® army cargo delivery parachute system uses a deployment bag similar to a conventional G-11 style deployment bag with a standard Release Away Static Line (RASL). The system can be easily converted from gravity drop to extraction configuration while the system is packed.

• Comes standard with Airborne Systems Mission Planner (jTrax-MP)*
• Compatible with the current U.S. JPADS Mission Planner (JPADS MP)
• *The Airborne Systems Mission Planner is capable of running simulated missions in virtual operational environments when using terrain-mapping software.

Military Mission Planning

Use of a Mission Planner is essential for the accurate deployment of the DragonFly®. Mission Planning can be conducted with the Airborne Systems jTrax Mission Planner or the current U.S. Air Force Consolidated Airdrop Tool Mission Planning Application (CAT MPA). The Mission Planning software calculates the release point for the system by using forecasted wind data and the flight characteristics of the DragonFly® canopy. The Airborne Systems jTrax Mission Planner is also capable of running simulated missions using the included terrain mapping software. Simulating missions before an actual airdrop allows the aircrew to ensure surrounding terrain will have no effect on the mission.

GPADS Control Unit

The Remote Control Unit allows a user to remotely program the system for a mission and can be used to monitor the status of systems while onboard the aircraft prior to drop. After the DragonFly® is dropped, the Remote Control Unit can be used to monitor the location and heading while in flight. If desired, an operator may override the Airborne Guidance Unit and fly the system manually.

Family of Military Cargo Delivery Parachute Systems

The DragonFly® is part of a family of GPADS platforms developed and manufactured by Airborne Systems. The MicroFly®, FireFly®, and DragonFly® systems are capable of delivering gross rigged weights from 200 lb. (90.7 kg) to 10,000 lb. (4,535 kg). Airborne Systems is also developing the MegaFly® and the GigaFly® which will increase the gross rigged weight range up to 42,000 lb. (19,050 kg). All operate with a common algorithm, user interface, and mission planner. The packing methodology for all systems is identical, so little additional training is required to qualify riggers on different systems.

jTrax® Mission Planner (MP) is Airborne Systems’ proprietary software that allows the Jumpmaster to quickly determine the Release Point (RP) for personnel and Guided Precision Aerial Delivery Systems (GPADS) drops.

jTrax® MP is operated in three simple steps:

• Select the parachute system and All Up Weight (AUW)
• Select the Impact Point (IP) and exit altitude
• Select the aircraft to be used

jTrax® MP automatically downloads the wind forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). jTrax® MP then calculates the Launch Acceptability Region (LAR), the region in which the team can jump and be able to reach the IP. This allows the Jumpmaster to move the RP anywhere within the LAR.

Failure Footprint

jTrax® MP provides the Jumpmaster with a failure footprint represented by a red circle. The failure footprint is the region in which the payload or team could land in the event of navigation error or system failure, providing a grid for a search team to locate the jumper or cargo.

Satellite Imagery

jTrax® MP uses satellite imagery, which allows the Jumpmaster to use the software to brief the team on obstacles, targets, and flight path to the IP.

Advanced Parachute Navigation Missions Systems Technology

The jTrax^® Navaid parachute navigation system is a device worn on an army jumper’s harness to aid in navigation to the intended Impact Point (IP).  The technology is the same that is utilized in our Guided Precision Aerial Delivery Systems (GPADS), ensuring accurate and proven technology. The Navaid improves safety and increases effectiveness of military jumpers by providing accurate navigation for even the most demanding missions.

Reliable Even At Extremes

The jTrax^® Navaid parachute navigation system includes:

• one pilot unit
• one display screen
• one support board or harness
• one back-up compass (optional)

The jTrax^® Pilot Unit has been specifically designed for the military free fall mission. The ruggedized module uses a proven sensor suite derived from the avionics of the Airborne Systems family of Guided Precision Aerial Delivery Systems (GPADS).  Various adjustable settings allow the user to configure the display based on the experience of the jumpers and the requirements of the mission.

Durable Display

Three types of screens can be displayed to the jumper:

• Jumpmaster screen to be used on the plane to check the progress of the flight toward the release point.
• Navigation screen to be used under canopy to guide the jumper towards the landing zone.
• Map display of the area below the jumper during the flight under canopy.

Successful, Safe Missions

The jTrax^® Navaid parachute navigation system can have one primary target and two alternate landing targets. A push button located on the jTrax^® Pilot can be activated with gloves to allow the jumper to rotate through screens and landing areas. The jTrax^® Navaid is fully integrated with the jTrax^® Mission Planner software developed by Airborne Systems for GPADS and Military Free Fall operations.

Adaptable Mission Planner Software

The jTrax^® Mission Planner is proprietary software that provides mission planning for military freefall jumps well as guided cargo drops.  It allows the user to select mission parameters such as payload weight, canopy, aircraft type, release altitude, speed, heading, and IP location.  The Mission Planner automatically downloads wind data and plans the mission for optimum release point taking into account failure footprint.  The user can then change to desired release points and assess the reliability of alternate plans based on wind conditions, parachute performance and arrival altitude.  This allows customization to meet complex mission parameters without increasing risk due to unknown trajectories or parachute performance.  The planned mission can then be simulated and output to Google Earth for visualization and terrain assessment.

The PS-2 Multi-Mission Parachute System is the latest High Performance Parachute System offered by Airborne Systems. The PS-2 features a harness container that is capable of both bottom-of-container pilot chute deployment and drogue fall deployment methods. The drogue system utilizes a new center of pack mounted drogue release with several key features:

• Flat jumper position while in droguefall
• Inherently safe design causes drogue to release if the Main container opens
• Two stage drogue collapse eliminates the “Trap-Door” effect when the drogue is released
• New proprietary drogue design is stable and consistent during droguefall

The harness container incorporates eight attachment points including high attachment points with outboard handles to provide the user the maximum ability to customize equipment attachments. Additional attachments include oxygen and radio pouches that can be set up on either side of the jumper. Specially designed air vent padding ensures the Harness fits the jumper comfortably while maintaining maximum airflow to cool the jumper. Primary and secondary drogue release handles are located in standard positioning to ensure easy transition for qualified jumpers.

PS-2 is currently offered in two sizes, 300 and 370 square foot canopies. A K9 harness is also available for any configuration. Each of these sizes use the Hi-5 canopy as the main and reserve. The Hi-5 canopy is best known for its outstanding glide modulation system. The Hi-5 features a remarkable 5:1 glide ratio and can transition to a 1:1 glide ratio with a simple control input using the Glide Modulation System.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS LONG RANGE OXYGEN SUPPLY

The SOLR^® 3000 bailout bottle is the latest parachutist oxygen system designed by Airborne Systems. When used with a parachutist oxygen mask, it is suitable for the most extreme HAHO / HALO missions. The 122 cu.in. oxygen bottle has similar measurements as the current PHAOS 120 cu.in oxygen bottle but offers over 60% more oxygen capacity for increased flight duration under canopy.

SOLR^® 3000 AND SOLR^® 4500 KEY FEATURES

• Lightweight
• Available in 3,000 psig and 4,500 psig fill pressure
• SOLR^® 3000 – Over 60% more oxygen with the same bottle measurements as the 120 cu in PHAOS
• SOLR^® 4500 – 50% more than SOLR^® 3000
• Brass pressure reducer, oxygen safe up to 4,500 psig (tested @ 5,395 psig)
• Universal compatibility
• Low profile oxygen gauge
• Secured output oxygen flow
• Easy oxygen gauge visibility
• Console interface includes automatic shutoff feature when connected to the console
• Manifold is 50% smaller and ensures no measurable oxygen leaks
• The double action rotating toggle oxygen switch eliminates unintentional oxygen flow shutoff for increased safety
• Compatible with U.S. Army POM mask

Portable Parachute Oxygen Systems Console for Military Missions

The Parachutist Oxygen Console (OXCON) is a lightweight parachute oxygen system used in HAHO / HALO missions around the world for over 25 years. With a portable, multi-station system, it is designed to contain and distribute regulated oxygen for pre-breathing onboard a military transport aircraft as a supplement for the man-mounted PHAOS parachute oxygen systems.

The multi-station manifolds provide quick connects on each side of the housing. Each side has a low-pressure gauge to allow monitoring of the regulated outlet pressure. Its components are contained within a compact, rugged structure that can be easily installed for missions requiring oxygen.

The 6-Man OXCON is tested and certified for use by the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center.

Meeting the Challenges for High Altitude Parachutists

• 8-Man configuration
• The manual on/off valve is rated to 5000 PSI heavy duty service
• Monitor the constant system pressure of 70 PSIG with the in-line flow indicators
• Rugged construction, with protective guards around controls, gauges and connections
• Stainless steel fittings for easy maintenance
• High pressure gauge indicates the available supply pressure from the pressure reservoirs

Parachute Oxygen Systems Specialized Components

All parachute oxygen systems components have been designed or selected to conform to the relevant requirements of applicable military/government specifications:

• MIL-G-8402 Gauges, Pressure
• MS33649-8 Cylinder Port
• MIL-H-81581 Hose Assembly, Breathing Oxygen
• MIL-S-7720/QQ-S-763 Fittings
• MIL-R-17852C-Reducer, Oxygen Pressure
• ASTM A269 Tubing
• DOT FRP-1 Std.; Type 3FC Cylinders under DOT-E-8162-1850

Rugged, Reliable, Rechargeable OXCON Parachute Oxygen Systems Equipment

The 6-Man OXCON 3000 components are contained within a compact, rugged and reliable structure. It can be easily installed for missions requiring oxygen and can be recharged simply without disassembly and cleaning. Its rugged construction allows for extended service life in the field.

Medical Grade Regulator

The 6-Man OXCON 3000 Oxygen Console incorporates the proven design of a regulator developed for use in the commercial life support and medical oxygen-handling field.  The regulator, mounted beneath the console’s top side servicing panel, reduces the internally mounted supply cylinder pressure to provide a constant, usable system pressure of 70 psi. (4.8 Bars). The manual on/off valve is rated to 5000 psi (344 Bars) heavy duty service. The multi-station manifolds mounted beneath the enclosure panels provide quick connects on each side of the 6-Man OXCON 3000 housing.

Safety “All the Way!”

• A low pressure system-monitoring gauge is provided on the servicing side manifold, conveniently located near the quick connects. The system charging valve is located near the on/off valve and high-pressure monitoring gauge.
• Three pressure indicators are provided with the 6-Man OXCON 3000. A high pressure gauge indicates the available supply pressure from the pressure vessels. Two low-pressure gauges (one on each side) allow monitoring of the regulated outlet pressure at the quick connect manifolds. Both gauges conform to Military Standard (Mil Std.) specifications.
• Protective guards are provided around control gauges and connections to minimize the risk of impact damage during handling.
• The 8-man OXCON system includes 7-120” hose/flow blinker assemblies, 1-216” hose/flow blinker assembly, 1-oxygen charging assembly and 1-purging valve assembly.
• The 6-Man OXCON system includes 5-120” hose/flow blinker assemblies, 1-216” hose/flow blinker assembly, 1-oxygen charging assembly and 1-purging valve assembly.

Additional Parachute Oxygen Systems Products

The Airborne family of personnel oxygen systems for military jumpers also includes:

• SOLR® 3000 and SOLR® 4500
• SOLR® Oxygen Booster Pump
• SOLR® Oxygen Mask