Parachute Industry Association - Rigging Innovations

These are the products that were on display at this PIA Symposium

The Talon FX is a highly refined and polished upgrade to the Talon FS. Some of the design features immediately stand out and make for a cleaner and smoother look overall, In addition, there are numerous internal and construction changes that make it easier to pack and maintain as well as offer up to date safety improvements.

Stainless Steel hardware and Space foam is standard for one all inclusive price and it is being re-certified to the latest TSO C23d standards. It will be rated to 150 kts and 325 lbs.

BACKPAD & RISER COVERS

The FX backpad/yoke configuration has been re-designed to have a much narrower upper yoke/shoulder area for a tighter fit over the shoulders. The use of the Space foam as a standard material contributes significantly to increased comfort and fit in this area. The hip pad/horizontal back strap has been re-designed for a greater surface area and holds the containers firmer to the back and prevents shifting in freefall. Space foam here also makes for a more comfortable fit. The main riser covers have been re-designed to integrate into the narrow yoke.

We have also designed a short yoke configuration for smaller bodied Individuals that allows for shorter harness sizing. This has been very well received by those who have jumped the configuration.

RESERVE TOP FLAP

The reserve top flap has been re-designed to open fully to allow for easier packing and pin check. The flap closing sequence has been changed so that the bottom flap closes last. This, along with the more angular shape, makes the outside flap lay flatter. The 3-point tuck tab design keeps the flap secure in all positions.

RESERVE CONTAINER

The reserve container has been tweaked to make for a smoother fit. Internally, the Cypres installation has been modified to remove the #1 grommet from the bottom internal flap. The cutter channel has been changed to allow for better routing and cable protection. The cutter sleeve location now incorporates a webbing cover to protect the cutter from wear by the container and pilot chute grommets.

MAIN CONTAINER

The most noticeable change to the main container is the re-design of the main side flaps to integrate the main riser covers into a one piece design. This makes for a considerably smoother look and a better fit. Less sewing means less wrinkles. The revised side flap design, along with the new top reserve flap shape, presents a noticeably different look to the Talon FX.

The bottom of the main container has a different construction method that eliminates sewing lines, resulting in a smoother look. Internally, the bottom loop keeper elastic has been replaced with a tuck flap keeper.

MAIN DEPLOYMENT BAG

Depending on the size of the containers, the main bag configuration has been changed to what we refer to as a “drop-in” bag where the bridle grommet is upright in the container and the line stows are against the floor of the container. This provides a smoother bag extraction and is easier to pack since the packer/jumper does not have to rotate the bag into the main container. The “drop-in” bags have a graphic label on the top of the bag showing the stowing into the container. The longer and flatter size containers continue to use a conventional horizontal bag.

RESERVE DEPLOYMENT BAG

The reserve bag has undergone some subtle changes such as the Velcro on the line stow pouch. The hook Velcro is shielded with a cover to prevent the canopy lines from becoming snagged during packing. The bag shape has been fine tuned for a better fit in the reserve container.

RESERVE PILOTCHUTE

Our famous Stealth reserve PC has had the grommet in the top of the metal cap replaced with a size “O” stainless steel spur grommet and washer. This results in the top being stiffer and the heavier grommet is virtually immune from damage during packing.

MAIN PILOTCHUTE AND BRIDLE

The main pilotchute is made from ZP fabric and is available in a throw-out configuration with either a Hackey or a FreeFly handle. A POP configuration is also offered. The pilotchutes come in 26”, 30”, and 33” depending on the size of the container system. The Kill-line bridle is standard.

MAIN RISERS AND TOGGLES

The FX comes standard with the Mini 3-ring configuration and TY-17 main risers. The risers have been re-designed to incorporate built-in dive loops that extend to the outside of the riser so they are easily grasped.

The cable channel has been changed to reduce the amount of visible cable between the grommet and the mouth of the channel to only ¾”. Teflon anti-twist tubes are standard.

The main toggle keepers have been re-designed to replace elastic with webbing keepers and are now the best we have seen. Premature toggle release is virtually eliminated yet the toggles are easily released when needed. Overall, these are the closest to the perfect risers that we've seen.

HARNESS

The harness is identical with the original Voodoo configuration introduced in 2000. It is simply, the best on the market. The “V-flex” leg strap design stays in place and molds itself to the upper leg. The double wide leg strap, along with the Space foam padding, provides unparalleled comfort.

The Multi-flex main lift web design, with Stainless Steel rings at the chest and hips, is standard. The inset horizontal backstrap conforms to the body to hold the containers tightly in place in any attitude. The larger horizontal pads with Space foam add to the comfort.

The reserve risers now use a Velcroless toggle system identical to the main risers to eliminate steering line damage during use.

CONCLUSION

As you can see from the above, the Talon FX continues the tradition of constantly improving the state of the art in harness and container design.

THE CONTAINER

The heart of the design is the shape of the container system. The profile of the container is curved from the top of the reserve to the bottom of the main resulting in a completely aerodynamic shape that slices through the air no matter what the attitude of the jumper in freefall. The container closing flaps are designed to be easy to use yet completely secure in freefall.

The reserve protector flap has been completely re-designed to use the most secure tongue combination in use today. The side tongues hold completely and the bottom pocket smoothes out the profile and keeps any lines from snagging. The internal pin pocket protects the pin from being dislodged.

The main pin protector flap is a streamlined variation of the upward closing flap pioneered on the Telesis 2 and the Genera. Longer and more tapered than its predecessors, it provides complete security and ease of use.

The main side flaps and riser covers have been integrated into one piece units that provide maximum coverage and protection while resulting in an aesthetically pleasing design that compliments the lines of the rig.

The BOC throw-out installation is integrated into the bottom main flap in such a way that the main bridle is completely covered without the need of special flaps or covers. A ZP main pilot-chute with a hackey or freefly handle and kill-line bridle is standard.
For those who prefer a pull-out (POP) deployment, easy to grip completely secure handle falls readily to hand.

The backpad has been designed to integrate with the reconfigured harness to provide a new level of comfort and fit. A completely new yoke area provides a hinge at the top of the container resulting in a better fit over the shoulder. Additional padding makes comfort a key word in the Voodoo design.

Full metal 3-ring housings are standard. Both the 3-ring and reserve ripcord housings have been lengthened and are attached to their pockets with clamps. The cables remain fully covered and protected in all attitudes at all times.

The reserve container: The reserve deployment bag has been designed to allow even greater ease of packing. At the same time, it provides a firm base for the Stealth pilotchute and contributes to even better launches than what the Stealth is known for.

THE HARNESS

The harness design and geometry have been designed to provide a level of fit and comfort unmatched by any other to date! The yoke area has been lengthened as well as the upper main lift web (MLW) to lower the 3-ring position and the chest strap. The angle of the yoke has been re-shaped and tailored to provide maximum security and comfort in a head down position.

The Multi-Flex harness configuration is standard provided an unequaled level of comfort and flexibility. New custom built ring hardware made specifically for RI and this application is used in the chest position. This hardware is forged flat and eliminates he pressure points and discomfort associated with previous designs. At the same time its use results in better articulation and freedom of movement in all attitudes.

The "in-set" horizontal back strap has been designed to "snug" the container to the body.

The lower main lift web/leg strap configuration features a totally new design that results in an unparalleled level of fit and comfort. Call the "V-Flex" configuration, it provides fully independent adjustment around the upper leg while at the same time total articulation around the hip ring. Coupled with our well known double-wide leg strap/pad design, the comfort must be experienced to be believed. - Ask any Voodoo owner!

The Telesis 3.0 is the third generation of the Telesis student training system.

Beginning in 1988 with the original design, the Telesis system has become the #1 best selling student training system in the world. It has set the standard by which all others aspire to.

The following are areas where the Telesis excels.

The highest quality- RI is known for it’s legendary quality.

Rugged and durable.

Each generation has been technically more advanced than the competition.

Easy to use - Simple and easy for the student to operate.

Rigger friendly - Not just a saying but true. One of the simplest systems to pack and maintain.

Cost effective, they last long and are easy to maintain.

4 different sizes means that there is a size for all sizes of individuals and canopy combinations.

Built by a company with a reputation for backing it’s products.

FEATURES

The Telesis 3.0 is built in 6 different sizes to accommodate all of today's canopy combinations. The smaller TS1 and TS2 are designed for very small individuals and also for use as transition systems in downsizing to smaller canopies during the training course. The largest size, the TS6 is designed for main and reserve canopies in the 300 sq ft range.

The Telesis 3.0 adjustable articulated harness configuration has been certified under TSO C23d and is rated at 325 lbs max weight and 150 knots. The load forces measured, have been in excess of 6700 lbs and the system is compatible with the strongest sport reserves currently on the market.

The Container

The container planform is based on the successful Talon FS design. Designed to ride higher on the back, the containers are narrower and contoured to fit the body. The reserve pin protector flap has a replaceable transparent window for jumpmaster checks. The Cypres window is located at the top of the container for easy accessibility and protection. The main pin protector flap is the popular upward closing configuration for ease of use and security. The riser covers use the tuck flap design for greater holding capability and durability.

The standard main deployment configuration is the AFF/BOC throw out pilot chute system. A reserve side deployment handle insures easy access during AFF training jumps. Built-in channels provide for installation of a ripcord housing and the use of a conventional spring launched pilot chute in the BOC ripcord configuration.

The 3-ring release is standard in a Two Action System configuration. An SOS is also available. Full metal release housings are standard. A Reserve Static Line system is standard.

The Harness

The harness is an adjustable version of the most successful and comfortable articulated harness ever designed. Based on the Voodoo Multi-Flex design, Sandy Reid, the patent holder for the articulated harness, has developed an advanced version that incorporates a continuously adjustable horizontal back strap that holds the container firmly into the small of the back and keeps the containers from shifting in freefall. At the same time, this new design provides greater adjustability over a wider range of body sizes. The Voodoo V-Flex leg strap stays firmly in place during ground movement and provides superior comfort under canopy. While most students cannot tell the difference between different harness designs, they can tell when a design is uncomfortable. There is no reason for the student jumper to have a harness that is any less comfortable than that worn by their instructor or jumpmaster. The leg strap is a true double wide design with high density, extendable leg pads for maximum comfort and fit. The adjustable main lift web is available is available in two size ranges- (A) XS-Med and (B) Sm-Lg.

The standard color configuration is a two color pattern with black trim and black harness. Custom embroidery is available as a cost option.

"Building your Student System for your operation"

The Rigging Innovations Tunnel Wrap allows you to train in the wind tunnel with your complete rig on, this makes tunnel training even more realistic and the top teams have found that they fly tighter when training with a rig on and obviously perform better.

It has been designed to make sure both canopies are completely secured with no possible chance of causing a problem in a wind tunnel, additionally both the cutaway and reserve handles are also fixed in place so no chance of loosing a handle either.