MOSCOW, April 3 (AVN) - The parachute building R&D Institute has started tests of the modernised Aeronaft PO-25 parachute system, Viktor Lyalin, the institute's director, told the Military News Agency.
According to him, Aeronaft PO-25 is developed for sportsmen performing skydiving with elements of acrobatics and also for Emergency Ministry specialists, special forces, etc.
The parachute uses a suspension system fitted with modernised locks for untying the loose ends of the main canopy, a more reliable device for automatic opening, and a series of other innovations.
PO-25 is made on a two-block scheme. With its 24.5-square-meter span, it provides good manoeuvrability and low speed of descent in wind or calm. If the problems arise with the main canopy the back-up parachute opens automatically.
A new construction of the multipurpose tandem backpack with on-back seat of the main and back-up canopies envisages the use of several types of the back-up. For instance, one-block gliding PZ-81 of 27 square metres and two-block Malush type chute of 18 square metres can be used. The system's weight does not exceed 11.5kg.