Showcases Latest Aerial Delivery Technology

ANN has learned Airborne Systems Group, a recognized leader in the development of parachute systems specializing in aerial delivery, rescue and survival equipment and engineering services, hosted a two-day event for military customers from allied countries around the world to participate in a demonstration of its newest parachute delivery technology.

Calling it "Airborne Days," the company focused on equipment used in aerial cargo delivery, airborne insertions and in rescue and survival operations. Airborne says military representatives from 23 countries made jumps with the new equipment.

"This is an unprecedented event," said Brad Petersen, COO of Airborne Systems, North America. "With so many new parachute technologies, militaries have many options to increase their effectiveness on the battlefield."

According to Airborne, one of the highlights of the event focused on "smart" cargo delivery technology used to re-supply troops in remote, hazardous locations. Airborne Systems' family joint precision aerial delivery system -- or JPADS -- platforms utilizes GPS guidance in maneuvering cargo to the target location. The company developed a series of these precision cargo delivery systems for use across the various models of its smart cargo delivery products.

Also included in the event was the Advanced Tactical Parachute System (ATPS) which is slated to replace the US Army's aging T-10 series of non-steerable troop parachutes in use since the 1950's. The ATPS system includes a complete, newly redesigned reserve parachute and integrated harness system. The new parachute will reduce the rate of descent by 25 percent from the T-10 to an average of 18 feet per second for a 385lbs total jumper weight with a corresponding reduction in impact energy of almost 40 percent.

Other new technologies on interactive display included the US Army's latest steerable troop parachute, the MC-6 system which is being fielded to replace its MC1-1. Several high performance military parachutes were also featured including the US Marine Corps' Hi Glide high altitude, high opening system which boasts the best glide capability available.

The company also showcased a number of products from Airborne Systems, Europe developed at its UK and Canadian operation centers. These included the low-level parachute system, the UK's standard non-steerable troop parachute, and the Steerable Assault Parachute. Teams from the UK and Canada demonstrated the aerial rescue kit and the small pack rescue kit which are the latest technologies used in aerial delivery rescue and survival equipment.

"The real capability is in the company that ties this all together," said Chris Rowe, Managing Director of Airborne Systems Europe. "We've created Airborne Systems as the one-stop shopping company providing solutions for all military parachute needs."

FMI: www.airbornesystemsgroup.com