GRS Parachute Patented
SportairUSA, LC, the American distributor of rocket-assisted GRS airframe rescue systems manufactured by Galaxy High Technology, announced the award of a U.S. patent for the unique deployment system incorporated in GRS parachute devices.
“Galaxy builds the world’s fastest deploying whole-plane parachute in either high-speed or low-speed events,” said Bill Canino, President of SportairUSA. “The GRS system for light sport aircraft opens in less than 5 seconds, at maximum speed or at stall speed, enabling deployment as low as 270’ AGL.”
Canino noted that GRS rescue systems are standard equipment in the TL-2000 Sting and TL-3000 Sirius aircraft distributed by SportairUSA, and optionally available in the Savage line of iCub, Cub, Cruiser and Classic.
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.
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.
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.
