Ballistic parachute

Photo series showing a Cirrus ballistic parachute deployment in action

A ballistic parachute, ballistic reserve parachute, or emergency ballistic reserve parachute is a parachute ejected from the casing via a small explosion,^[1] much like that used in an ejection seat. The advantage of the ballistic parachute over a conventional parachute is that it ejects the parachute canopy causing it to open rapidly, this makes it ideal for attaching to small aircraft, hang-gliders and microlights where an emergency situation may occur in close proximity to the ground. In such a situation a conventional parachute would not open quickly enough.

In 1982 Comco Ikarus developed the FRS rocket-launched parachute system for its ultralight and hanglider aircraft.^[2] In 1998 Cirrus Aircraft provided the first ballistic parachutes as standard equipment on their line of type certified aircraft, the Cirrus SR20.

See also

• Ballistic Recovery Systems - manufacturer of ballistic parachutes for use in light aircraft
• Scott D. Anderson - test pilot who flight tested first certified ballistic parachute

Notes and references

1. Also there are slug fired systems, (pre 1990) mortar fired systems, (pre 1994), & A.I.R. rocket (compressed gas) systems.
2. "The History of Comco-Ikarus Aircraft". Sport Aviation. March 2009.