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."