Military Free Fall Parachute System

The RA-1 Military Free-Fall Advanced Ram-Air Parachute System (MFF ARAPS) provides a multi-mission, high-altitude parachute delivery system that allows personnel to exit at altitudes between 3,500 feet and 35,000 feet. The parachute, which replaces the current MC-4 parachute, supports a total jumper weight of 450 pounds. It also provides non-MFF personnel with a ram-air parachute that is static-line deployed.[1]

Demonstration of the Hi Glide 6-to-1 standoff flight characteristics, ca. 2009

The ARAPS’ three accessory systems are at different stages of the acquisition process:

  • The Electronic Automatic Activation Device (EAAD) is used with current and next-generation parachute systems, replacing the Automatic Ripcord Release. EADD provides a simpler and more reliable method of activation in the event the parachutist is unable to deploy the parachute at the appropriate altitude. The EAAD activates and cuts the reserve parachute closing loops if the jumper is falling at 78 mph or faster at the minimum deployment altitude.[2]
  • The Navigation Aid (NAVAID) will provide in-flight navigation and mission planning capability, allowing parachutists under canopy to locate themselves and the intended drop zone easily. The system uses a GPS that integrates with the Mission Planner of the Joint Precision Airdrop System (MP JPADS), ensuring more accurate canopy flight and drop zone landings.[3]
  • The Parachutist Oxygen Mask (POM) will provide supplemental oxygen at 13,000 feet and higher and will be easier to use and maintain than the current MBU-12P mask. The POM will not interfere with the parachutist’s vision or range of motion.[4]
Military Free-Fall Advanced Tactical Infiltration Course students use new POM for high–altitude / high–opening jump, ca. 2011
Testing of new RA-1 double-bag static-line deployment system, ca. 2018

See also

References
  1. Military Freefall Advanced Ram Air Parachute System (MFF ARAPS) RA-1, U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center, last accessed 27 September 2020
  2. Enhanced Electronic Automatic Activation Device (EEAAD), FEDERAL CONTRACT OPPORTUNITY, GOVTRIBE, last updated 7 March 2017, last accessed 27 September 2020
  3. RA-1 Parachute Test Jump; by Ronald Lee, 382 Public Affairs Detachment, U.S. Army; dated September 2016; last accessed 27 September 2020
  4. Improved Parachutist Oxygen Mask (POM), FEDERAL CONTRACT OPPORTUNITY, GOVTRIBE, last updated 22 May 2019, last accessed 27 September 2020
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