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Aircraft • Engines • Avionics • Service

Whole Plane Parachutes

SportairUSA is the U.S. distributor of GRS whole-plane rescue systems manufactured by Galaxy High Technology, s.r.o.

Galaxy High Technology builds the fastest-opening, most reliable whole-plane rescue systems for sport aircraft. The GRS system has recently been awarded a U. S. patent for the unique design features are incorporated in the entire range of products, which are sized for aircraft weighing between 400 lbs and 2,900 lbs.

GRS  560/600/650

GRS 6 600 SD

The GRS 5/560, the GRS 6/600 SD and the GRS 6/650 SD whole-plane rescue systems are designed for motorized aircraft weighing up to 560 kg, 600 kg and 650 kg, respectively  (1,33 lbs; 1,333 lbs and 1,444 lbs). These parachutes are commonly used in light sport aircraft. They are rocket-powered, soft pack units designed to deploy within 5 seconds regardless of airspeed.

These parachutes are standard or optional equipment on LSAs manufactured by TL-Ultralight, Evektor, Urban Air, Atec, Zlin, Jora, Dova, Jihlivan, Racek, Tecnam and others.

Rocket-Assisted Deployment

GRS rescue systems are rocket-powered rather than ballistic. Rocket power is smooth and continuous, while ballistic systems depend on an initial bang to fire the chute and un-powered momentum to carry it clear of the aircraft. The GRS system instead powers the unpacked chute to the end of its tether and continues under power to draw the chute from its soft pack, providing reliable deployment  and rapid  clearance from the aircraft and any debris field.

The rocket assembly then departs the main chute and continues on its way, deploying its own smaller chute to carry it safely to the ground.

Fast Opening

GRS Canopy, Opened

The opening time of GRS systems is independent of airspeed. Ballistic system are partially dependent on airspeed, along with momentum left over from the initial detonation, to pull the chute and suspension cables from the aircraft, so they may deploy more slowly at stall speed than at higher airspeeds. The GRS 6/600 system opens within 5 seconds, enabling rescue at altitudes as low as 270′ AGL.

Reliable & Long-Lived

A 9-year repack life is made possible by the method of packing the main chute. Very high packing pressure used in some competitive products, up to 20,000 psi, can result in fusion of the chute material, with friction-stripping and burning when the chute is deployed. GRS chutes are packed at 2,000 psi, enabling a much longer repack life. A new rocket is included in the 9-year repack.

Patented

U.S. patent #7 997 535 B2 obtained by GRS applies to the canopy, fitted with pole opening and inside air discharge chutes, and the slider installed on the suspension parachute cords. This system enables reliable deployment and minimizes opening shock to the aircraft and suspension.

Other GRS Systems

Other GRS systems include the following. (Note: the numbering system refers to weight capacity in kilograms.)

  • GRS 180
  • GRS 240
  • GRS 279
  • GRS 350
  • GRS 450
  • GRS 473 SD
  • GRS 473 SD Speedy
  • GRS 560
  • GRS 600 SD
  • GRS 650 SD
  • GRS 750 SDS
  • GRS 840 SDS
  • GRS 960 SDS
  • GRS 1200 SDS
  • GRS 1300 SDS

Illustration

This cartoon illustrates the opening sequence of rocket-assisted GRS rescue systems.