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Airborne Systems gets Army parachute contract

Deal is for the RA-1 Advance Ram air parachute system and spare parts.

By Geoff Ziezulewicz
Airborne Systems North America has received a $99 million contract to purchase the RA-1 Advanced Ram air parachute system and spare parts. Shown here are soldiers testing the system in 2013. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cody Barber
Airborne Systems North America has received a $99 million contract to purchase the RA-1 Advanced Ram air parachute system and spare parts. Shown here are soldiers testing the system in 2013. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cody Barber

WASHINGTON, June 22 (UPI) -- Airborne Systems North America has received a $99 million U.S. Army contract to purchase the RA-1 Advanced Ram air parachute system and spare parts.

The firm-fixed-price contract's funding and work location will be determined with each order.

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The Army Contracting Command is the contracting agency.

The RA-1 will provide soldiers with a multi-mission, steerable high-altitude low-opening or high-altitude high-opening capability, according to the Army.

It is slated to replace the current MC-4 Ram Air Parachute system.

The new system will allow personnel to exit at heights between 3,500 feet and 35,000 feet, with a total jumper exit weight of 450 pounds.

The RA-1 can also operate in a double bag static line configuration. 

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