By Vipin Kumar Verma

1. Introduction

High-Performance parachute system is extremely useful for the services in their regular operation.In India, in the area of Design and Development of Parachute Systems Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is the main agency.  ADRDE is responsible for the design and development of Parachute Systems, Aerial Delivery Systems, Aircraft Arrester Barrier Systems, Controlled Aerial Delivery System, Heavy Drop System, Lighter than Air (LTA) systems, Recovery Systems and Floatation Systems, etc.

2. Parachute System in World Scenario

The comparative details of the worldwide available system are as follows:

2.1  Airborne Intruder RA-1: Airborne Intruder RA-1 is the Parachute system of the United States of America (USA). Designed to meet the requirements of military users, The Intruder RA-1 System, Type classified as the RA-1 By the US Army, is suited for the beginner jumper in need of docile performance or an experienced pilot who demands performance extremes for mission success.

2.2  TW9 340 Mk2: The TW9 340 Mk2 parachute System is highly versatile with regard to its operational use. With its subsystems ingeniously integrated the TW9 340 Mk2 reflects a modern parachute weapon system. Tested and certified up to max suspended weight of 225 Kg and max deployment speed of 210 KPI. It was designed and developed by Germany.

2.3  MMS 350 Parachute System: The MMS series military solo system developed by France offers the same versatility as the other equipment of the range. The MMS 350 design includes all the latest features in terms of Safety and comfort. Standard equipped with the PdF patented LOR.

2.4  MCPS CFF –MK II: The CFF –MK II system is used by SF/Para Bde to penetrate paratroopers with combat load into designated areas of operations.  MCPS allows Paratroopers to jump from an aircraft and deploy their Parachutes at pre-determined Altitude, Navigate and Land Safely.

Combat Free Fall System has been designed and developed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra. The proposed advanced parachute system enhances the operational capability of the Indian Army thus reducing our country’s dependence on imported parachute systems. This will result in the saving of foreign exchange reserves.

Moreover, Indian industry will benefit by supplying metal parts, and textile materials to production agencies where employment for Indian youth will be generated for years. There exists a strong possibility that India can export these systems to other countries as Indian products will be much more cost-effective in the world market.

3. Indian Scenario:

High-Performance parachute system is a prerequisite for successful Airborne operation. The Parachute system with enhanced glide ratio and payload capacity in terms of the following performance parameters and qualifications: 

3.1       Glide Ratio

• Higher performance Airfoil
  • Optimized platform shape
  • Improved fabric (Zero Porosity)

3.2       Better controls response

• Better manoeuvrability and quick response
  • Smooth opening

3.3       User-friendly Control/Guidance and Navigation System

• Para computer (with GNS, interactive display screen, flight performance sensors and location display)
  • Rate of Decent, Forward speed, turn rate, ground speed, altitude, direction etc.

3.4       Improved Life support system & Communication

• Personnel Oxygen system
  • Pre-breather Console
  • Improved Overall for harsh weather conditions
• Helmet, Jump boots and Communication system

 Such Parachute System can play a significant role in the Arial activities/operations for the Services.

4. Parachute System of ADRDE-DRDO

4.1 Design & Development of Heavy Drop System for C-130 & C-17 Aircraft

ADRDE is the sole agency that develops HD Systems and studies the para-drop requirements of the Indian armed forces. In the past, ADRDE has evolved the HD System for AN-32 A/C & IL-76 A/C based on the User requirements. IAF has inducted two new types of transport aircraft in its fleet. The project objective is to develop an integrated Heavy Drop System for C-130 & C-17 a/c.

4.2 Development of Harness & other Accessories of Pilot Parachute for Pilatus PC-7 MK-ll Aircraft

Development of harness & other accessories of pilot parachute for Pilatus PC-7 MK-ll aircraft to avoid dependency and ex-import of these systems.

4.3   Design & Development of parachute system for Air droppable container ADC- 150

Air Droppable Container named ‘ADC-150’. The container is planned to be dropped primarily from IL-38 a/c and finally from P8I a/c. The total mass of the container is 270 kg and can be delivered at the required location at sea using the parachute system to reduce the speed.

• 4.4 Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS)

ADRDE has undertaken the project titled ‘Design & Development of

Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS)’.

4.4.1      Following are tentative situations for the use of Ram Air Parachute:

• Terrain Restrictions
• Sensitive environments prevent low-altitude penetrations
• Special mission requirement
• Paratroopers need to be air-dropped away from the target

4.4.2 The MCPS system can be used in following modes:

• High Altitude High Opening (HAHO):  Jump from as high as 30,000 ft
• High Altitude Medium Opening (HAMO): Jump from as high as 30,000 ft and opening anywhere up to 10,000 ft
• High Altitude Low Opening (HALO): Jump from as high as 30,000 ft and opening anywhere between 9,000 ft – 5,000 ft

System Specification/ Parameter

The MCPS system developed by DRDO offers the versatility than the other equipment in the range. The MCPS design includes all the latest features in terms of Safety and comfort. Parachute system has a max payload of 150 and 200 kg with vivid deploy altitude. It has a glide ratio of less than 4:1 with a shelf life of 12 years. The system has breathable oxygen for not less than 45 min. MCPS is suited for all mission requirements.

5. ADRDE has developed a wide range of products in Parachute Systems for various applications in the Armed Forces, including Personnel and Ejection Seat Parachutes, Recovery Parachutes, Armament and Ammunition Delivery Systems, Brake Parachutes, and Heavy Drop Systems. The lab has also successfully participated in the Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE) mission of ISRO by designing the optimum parachute & flotation system and has also contributed to developing a parachute system for the prestigious Human Space Program (HSP) and is now involved in design & development of Decelerator system for the Project “Gaganyaan”.

Vipin Kumar Verma is working as Scientist ‘F’ at Aerial Delivery Research & Development, DRDO, Agra. He has received various DRDO technology group awards, Scientist of the Year award (2015) and National Science Day Oration Medal -2012. He has two patents and published 30 research papers in various journals/conferences & seminars.