Airborne Systems Wins $27 Million From RDECOM For Production Of New Systems

The U.S. Army’s Research, Development, and Engineering Command (RDECOM) has awarded a $27 million contract to Solon, OH-based Airborne Systems for the production and delivery of an estimated 3,600 Military Free Fall Advanced Ram Air Parachute Systems (MFF ARAPS) utilizing the Airborne System’s Intruder parachute system.

Airborne Systems Intruder

The company said in a news release that the contract win reaffirms its role as a major supplier to the U.S. military. All major military personnel parachute systems currently in use by U.S. Forces have been designed by Airborne Systems, including the T-11, MC-6, Hi-Glide, MC-4, MC-5 and Intruder. The FireFly and DragonFly precision guided aerial delivery systems have also been selected by the U.S. Army for the Joint Precision Air Drop System (JPADS) program, and the FireFly is being used extensively in Afghanistan.
 
“We are honored the U.S. Army has selected Airborne Systems to support our warfighters with the best parachute technology available,” said Brad Pedersen, President, Airborne Systems. “Our solution is the best value for soldiers, offering increased safety and cutting edge technology. The Intruder system has been exclusively designed for the military jumper and is not an adaptation. Its versatility allows day or night and high or low altitude capabilities in a range of challenging environments to fully meet mission requirements.”

“Airborne Systems has made major historical contributions to military ram-air parachute systems development,” added JC Berland, Chief Technology Officer, Airborne Systems. “These include the invention of the ram-air reserve parachute and the first military ram air parachute system, the MT-1. Airborne Systems also designed and produced the MC-4 and MC-5 parachute systems, the most popular military parachute systems in the world. The T-11 is also an excellent example of our technology lead in the parachute world.”
 
The firm fixed-price IDIQ contract is anticipated to include an 18-month base ordering period and a 42-month optional ordering period. The acquisition was conducted on a full and open basis and incorporated a best value source selection, based upon technical, management, past performance, cost and price assessments.

FMI: www.airborne-sys.com