In an effort to assist deployed soldiers in the defense of the nation, a parachute has been developed that will automatically deploy to bring army personnel safely from the sky to the ground. Manufactured in Uttar Pradesh for the Indian Army and Air Force, this parachute offers both manual and automatic deployment capabilities, ensuring safe landing procedures.
Manufactured at the Ordnance Factory in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, this parachute is a domestically produced solution akin to those imported from abroad, but with the incorporation of new technology. The newly introduced technology within this parachute enables automatic opening in case of soldier incapacitation or unconsciousness, ensuring a safe descent to the ground.
The parachute is equipped with an auto-opening system via a cypher system. Amit Singh, the General Manager at the Ordnance Equipment Factory in Hazratpur, noted that these parachutes have been under development for the past two and a half years, responding to demands from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force for research into new technologies. Named HAPPS (High Altitude Parachute Pulling System), this parachute is specifically designed for commando operations, for which there is a global demand.
Singh highlighted that the capacity of this parachute is to drop from an altitude of thirty thousand feet. It incorporates new technology, where, besides manual activation, the parachute will automatically deploy in the event of a commando becoming unconscious or ill, ensuring a safe landing. Additionally, the parachute features a navigation system, referred to as a Mission Computer Navigation System, aiding commandos in checking each other's locations and determining target destinations. Furthermore, the parachute enables communication regarding wind direction, wind speed, and headquarters, facilitating accurate direction and mission success for commandos.
The cost of producing this parachute totals approximately thirty lakh rupees, substantially lower than the cost of importing similar parachutes. This initiative aligns with India's pursuit of self-reliance in defense manufacturing, employing new technologies successfully. The Ordnance Factory aims to continue developing such parachutes for the army's benefit in the future.