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SIGMA TANDEM SYSTEM OWNER’S MANUAL
11301 - 00.00.0000 Section 2: Equipment • Chapter 1 - Description
UNDERSTANDING THE MAIN RECOIL RIPCORD SYSTEM
The Recoil Ripcord System for the Tandem Sigma drogue consists of:
1. A single length of 1,000 lb. Spectra line with finger locked loops at each end, and near the center.
2. A single length of 1/8” bungee cord, finger locked between the loops at each end of the Spectra line.
3. Two, specially prepared, solid core ball handles.
4. One stainless steel, eyeleted, ripcord pin.
5. Two stainless steel ripcord housings.
One ripcord handle is located at the bottom left corner of the main container, and the other on the right leg pad,
allowing the tandem instructor to release the drogue with either hand. The right handle is positioned on the tandem
instructor’s harness so as to simulate
a Bottom of Container (BOC) position
for the student. You don’t have to
hook it up to the student harness
before each jump. It is automatically
in the right position.
There are no “ripcord pockets” per say.
Each ripcord handle “plugs into” the
end of the housing, and is held in
position by a combination of friction,
and the pull of the bungee cord retract
system.
Pulling either handle about 5” pulls the single
ripcord pin, opening the container and
releasing the drogue. Notice that each ripcord
is set up as a 2-1 pulley, so that a pull of 5
pounds at the handle translates into a pull of
10 lbs at the pin, resulting in easy pulls every
time.
Once the drogue is released, as evidenced by
the “trap door effect,” you can simply let go
of the handle. It will automatically return to
its position on the end of the ripcord housing.
Although the housings are double clamped
into position under the drogue pouch for
maximum security and long life, excessive
pulling on the ripcord handles after drogue
release might eventually damage these
housing connections. You don’t have to baby
the system, but pull only as far as necessary
to release the drogue, and then let go of the
handle.
FIGURE 1
RELEASE HANDLE SYSTEM
(Cross section view of spandex for clarity)
FIGURE 2
RIPCORD DETAIL
(Housings, et., removed for detail)
Bungee
Spectra
Ripcord
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