Cargo Aerial Del & Personnel Parachute System

Cargo Aerial Delivery and Personnel Parachute Systems aims to procure and field advanced tactical parachute systems for the Army. This program includes the procurement of the T-11 and MC-6 parachute systems, as well as the RA-1 Parachute System and the Joint Precision Air Drop System (JPADS). The specific objectives include replacing legacy parachutes reaching the end of their service life to maintain unit mission readiness, upgrading JPADS systems with M-code capability for GPS-denied environments, and providing autonomous guidance for precise delivery of critical supplies to the Warfighter on the ground. Additionally, the program aims to support homeland defense missions, domestic emergency responses, and provide military support to civil authorities.

The Advanced Tactical Parachute System (ATPS) is a critical component of this program, providing personnel low-altitude static line airborne operations capability for the Army. The ATPS consists of the T-11 and MC-6 parachute systems, with a total Army Acquisition Objective (AAO) for both systems. The replacement of legacy parachutes reaching the end of their service life is essential to maintain unit mission readiness. Furthermore, the RA-1 Parachute System is being procured to replace the legacy MC-4 Ram Air Parachute System with enhanced capabilities for high altitude low opening (HALO) and high altitude high opening (HAHO) standoff insertion. Additionally, the Joint Precision Air Drop System (JPADS) provides autonomous guidance for precise delivery of critical supplies to the Warfighter on the ground while allowing aircraft delivering payloads to fly at significantly safer altitudes. The program also includes software upgrades for ongoing efforts in theater to successfully operate in GPS-contested environments.