At Apco Aviation Defense, we develop and source materials specifically for parachute systems, cargo drop recovery, inflatable decelerators, and other critical textile-based aerospace components. Our specialty is delivering lightweight, low-bulk, and low-volume solutions that meet or exceed the rigorous demands of today’s defense and UAV markets.
Fabrics
We offer a wide range of high-performance technical fabrics – from ultra-light 10 g/m² exotic materials to heavy-duty Nylon 6.6 and high-strength Dyneema HMPE for lightweight, high-shock applications.
Key fabric types include:
- Low-porosity coated fabrics, co-developed with global suppliers for specific mission needs
- High-tenacity Nylon 6.6 – industry standard for parachutes and decelerators
- Kevlar-based textiles – designed for high-temperature and fire-resistant requirements
- Polyester fabrics – excellent for UV resistance and marine or corrosive environments
- Non-woven composites – used in advanced inflatables and special aerospace projects
- Cotton liners and sleeves – reduce friction in reefing, sliders, and containment zones
- Dyneema HMPE weaves – deliver ultra-high tensile and tear strength in minimal weight and volume
Each fabric is selected based on deployment speed, payload class, environmental exposure, and safety margins.
Lines
We produce lines rated from 50 kg to over 10,000 kg breaking strength, built from aerospace-grade fibers in twisted, woven, or braided constructions.
Our primary line materials include:
- Dyneema® (UHMWPE) – lighter than Kevlar and stronger than steel by weight. Excellent durability and low stretch, can be pre-stretched for anti-creep performance. Ideal for steerable parachutes and high-precision recovery.
- Kevlar® (Aramid) – zero stretch with high dimensional stability. Heavier than Dyneema but optimal for applications needing rigid geometry and heat resistance.
- Nylon 6.6 – a parachute industry staple. Offers controlled stretch to absorb opening shock but results in thicker, heavier lines for the same strength rating.
All line types are stitched or spliced to integrate with risers, canopies, or hardware systems and are selected based on dynamic load response and packaging requirements.
Tapes & Reinforcement Webbing
Reinforcement tapes provide critical structure to parachutes, cargo decelerators, and inflatables, especially during high-speed deployments and high-load transitions.
These tapes are:
- Typically woven from high-tenacity Nylon fibers
- Engineered in varying widths, stretch rates, and strengths
- Used to reinforce canopy stress points and anchor line attachments
- Integral to the overall load distribution and canopy integrity
Proper design and placement directly impact opening performance and structural longevity.
Mission-Driven Material Selection
From high-speed UAV recoveries and VTOL inflatables to low-altitude cargo drops and ram-air parachutes, every textile component we use is chosen for performance under pressure. With over 50 years of experience, Apco Aviation Defense builds systems that combine low volume, minimal weight, and battlefield reliability – ensuring success where it matters most.
