Lightweight round non-steerable parachutes for manned and unmanned applications – UAV recovery, cargo delivery, emergency rescue and recovery systems and payload deceleration applications.
APCO Aviation Defense round parachutes support suspended weights ranging from approximately 1 kg to 1,000kg, with canopy construction, deployment method and opening-shock control specifically engineered for the required operating method.
Dependable opening
Controlled descent
Straightforward non-steerable operation
Structural strength across a wide payload range
Lightweight textile construction
Suitable for emergency,recovery, delivery and deceleration
Horizontal movement determined mainly by wind and surrounding air mass
Spring pilot chute, static line or drogue extraction options
Direct canopy extraction or deployment bag configurations
Ballistic or pneumatic deployment where approved
Slider, reefing or staged deployment for opening shock control
Deployment method dictated by speed, altitude and available opening height
Operating limits confirmed for the selected parachute model
Low-seam or goreless canopy construction where appropriate
Radial-gore configurations for higher structural loads
Reinforced skirt, apex and suspension-line attachment areas
Textile options from ultralight to heavier F-111-type nylon
Fabric selection determined by opening loads, packing limits and service-life requirements
Construction optimized for strength, weight and packed volume
Product range for suspended weights from approximately 1 kg to 1,000 kg
Suitable for UAV and drone recovery
Cargo and equipment delivery
Sensor and test-article recovery
Emergency rescue and recovery systems
Payload stabilization and high-load deceleration
Cluster configurations possible where the system is designed for multiple canopies
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Practical guidance on UAV recovery, parachute systems and protective textiles from APCO’s engineering team.
Round parachutes provide unguided non-steerable descent and deceleration for UAV recovery, cargo and equipment delivery, emergency recovery systems, and sensor or test-article recovery. Best suit applications where controlled descent is required without active steering.
APCO Aviation Defense offers round parachutes for suspended weights ranging from approximately 1 kg to 1,000 kg. The appropriate model and configuration depend on payload weight, deployment shock and speed, operating altitude, and required descent conditions.
Round parachutes can be configured for spring pilot chute, static-line or drogue-assisted extraction. Direct canopy extraction and deployment bag configurations are also available. Ballistic or pneumatic deployment may be used where approved. The deployment method is selected according to the platform and operating conditions.
Opening shock can be managed through slider mechanisms, reefing or staged deployment. The best approach depends on deployment speed, payload weight, structural limits and available opening height. Controlling opening forces helps reduce stress on the platform, payload and parachute attachment points.
Yes. APCO Aviation Defense develops and produces lightweight, low-bulk recovery textile solutions that can be designed to UAV-specific requirements, including payload weight, packing volume, deployment configuration and structural limits. Canopy construction, materials, and opening-shock control are selected address the specific client and application requirements.
Round parachutes provide unguided descent, with horizontal movement determined mainly by wind and the surrounding air mass. Ram-air parachutes use an aerodynamic wing-shaped canopy that enables controlled forward flight and steering. The appropriate choice depends on whether the application requires straightforward deceleration and descent or guided recovery toward a designated landing area.
From concept to fielding, APCO Aviation Defense delivers proven parachute systems that perform when it matters most.
