Main/reserve parachutes - smokejumpers

MAIN/RESERVE PARACHUTES - SMOKEJUMPERS
The Airborne Systems (AS) DC-7 is one of two parachutes currently approved for use in the BLM smokejumper system. This procurement is necessary to provide a sufficient inventory of main parachutes for the 2022 fire season. BLM smokejumpers require a main parachute to accommodate a payload ranging from 220 to 400 pounds. It must also be compatible with our currently approved BLM container system, be able to achieve descent rates from 0 to 10 feet per second in no wind conditions and must be able to reach these rates using a static, deep brake setting. Additionally, the canopy must have at least a 20 mph forward speed to operate in high wind conditions.

For safety and operational reasons, it is imperative that parachutes are significantly standardized throughout the BLM inventory. BLM Smokejumpers operate from multiple bases and are required to change out parachutes in short timeframes to meet high tempo operational needs. Smokejumpers must be familiar with and be using the approved chutes at all bases.

The Airborne Systems (AS) DC-7 canopy¿s pack volume is compatible with the BLM approved main container Model 9711. Main canopies are approved for inclusion on the BSAEL through a rigorous testing process that verifies compatibility with other parachute system components, the viability of parachute performance in representative jump spots, field testing in the operational environment on actual fire jumps, and an extended field evaluation to determine canopy reliability and malfunction rates. The BLM SMKJ Modification Documentation System (MODOC #079) specifies a systematic process with the DC-7 serving as the benchmark for comparison purposes.
Because the reserve canopy is the last chance a jumper has in the event of a main canopy failure, the reserve is a critical element of a parachute system. For that reason, it is imperative that it is standardized throughout the BLM smokejumper inventory. The BLM approved reserve container, Model 1805 is sized to accept the pack volume of the MT-1S.

Pack volume (expressed in cubic inches) is also a factor in choosing the MT-1S. The MT-1S has a pack volume of 745 cubic inches. The BLM approved reserve container, Model 1805 is sized to accept the pack volume of the MT-1S. Pack volumes of other reserve canopies of the same square footage have a larger pack volume than can be accommodated by our container. Due to the (MT-1S) canopies span-wise construction, other canopies with the same pack volume of the MT-1S have a smaller square footage and not large enough for smokejumper use.