Lucknow: Kanpur-based Gliders India Limited (GIL) has manufactured an advanced parachute system designed for operations in higher altitude drop zones, strengthening India’s airborne operational capabilities.Developed in collaboration with its Agra-based design partner Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), the system is engineered to enhance paratrooper performance by enabling higher deployment velocities and altitudes while maintaining safety and reliability. “A key feature of the system is its ability to withstand deployment speeds of up to 400 kmph while keeping shock levels within permissible limits. It is suitable for both normal and high-altitude drop zones and comes equipped with main and reserve parachutes integrated with an automatic activation device, ensuring an additional layer of safety,” said a GIL official. The system supports drops up to 16,404-ft above mean sea level, making it particularly effective for mountainous terrain and specialized airborne operations. Its multiple modes of deployment provide flexibility across a wide operational altitude range. “Two parachute systems, inspected by directorate general of quality assurance (DGAQA) and certified by Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (Regional Centre for Military Airworthiness, Kanpur), underwent their first live jumps on Feb 20 at the Malpura drop zone in Agra. The trials were conducted in the presence of the ADRDE project team, representatives from GIL and DGAQA Kanpur, and officials of the Indian Air Force,” the official added. Chief test jumper, Wg Cdr Rahul Jha, and test jumper, master warrant officer R J Singh from ADRDE, carried out the high-altitude mode jumps.
