The FLEXPACK 2 is a parachute system designed for use in various aerial activities, offering both reliability and ease of maintenance. It consists of a harness/container (sac-harnais) and a canopy (voilure), with a pilot chute (extracteur) for deployment.
Function Description
The FLEXPACK 2 is a complete parachute assembly designed for safe deployment and descent. The system includes a main parachute and a reserve parachute (not explicitly detailed but implied by the "sac-harnais" and "voilure" components, and the mention of "parachute de secours" in the packing section). The pilot chute initiates the deployment sequence, followed by the main canopy. The harness system ensures the user's secure attachment to the parachute, with various adjustable straps for comfort and fit. Control toggles allow for steering and maneuvering during descent.
Important Technical Specifications
The FLEXPACK 2 harness/container, model 512, has the following dimensions and weight:
- Height: 45 cm (18 inches)
- Width: 33 cm (13 inches)
- Mass (empty): 6.2 kg (13.6 lbs)
The resistance of various straps is as follows:
- Main Strap Resistance: 5400 kg
- Chest Strap Resistance: 2700 kg
- Lumbar Strap Resistance: 2700 kg
- Dorsal Strap Resistance: 1800 kg
The canopy, model 512, is a conical tri-vent type with the following characteristics:
- Surface Area: 39 m² (425 sq ft)
- Number of Gores: 22
- Deployment Device: Diaper
- Fabric Type: Polyamide
- Fabric Mass: 6.5 g/m²
- Suspension Lines: 200 kg Polyamide
- Ribbons/Ribs: Polyamide
Performance and usage limitations (QAC 121-TSO C23c Category B):
- Maximum Mass (user + equipment): 115 kg (254 lbs)
- Maximum Speed (at deployment): 150 knots (278 km/h)
- Vertical Speed (at 90 kg): 5.3 m/s (17.3 ft/s)
- Opening Time (at 150 kt/100 kg): 1.7 seconds
Usage Features
The FLEXPACK 2 is designed for ease of use and adjustment. The harness features several adjustable straps to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for the user:
- Adjustable Main Strap (Sangle principale réglable)
- Chest Strap (Sangle de poitrine)
- Adjustable Lumbar Strap (Sangle lombaire réglable)
- Adjustable Leg Strap (Sangle cuissarde réglable)
The system includes a Carrying Handle (Poignée de Transport) for easy handling on the ground and an Opening Handle (Poignée d'ouverture) for manual deployment. A Removable Dorsal Padding (Coussin dorsal amovible) enhances comfort. The container itself has various flaps: Upper Flap (Rabat supérieur), Left Flap (Rabat gauche), Right Flap (Rabat droit), and Lower Flap (Rabat inférieur), along with a Plastic Window (Fenêtre Plastique).
Deployment procedures involve:
- Emergency Procedure (Évacuation de l'aéronef): Disconnecting seatbelts, releasing the ripcord handle, and bailing out. The parachute opens in 1.5 to 2 seconds.
- Earth Landing (Atterrissage): Steering the canopy by pulling the toggles, turning the parachute into the wind, and preparing for landing.
- Water Landing (Amérrissage): Releasing the harness and activating the lifejacket if equipped.
Maintenance Features
Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial for the safety and longevity of the FLEXPACK 2.
- Periodicity of Maintenance: Normal use and storage require annual inspections. In cases of corrosion or damage, immediate inspection and repair are necessary.
- Pre-flight Inspection: Before each use, verify the packing date, pin position, ripcord seal, ripcord handle condition, absence of damage to the harness and container, and proper function of the hardware.
- Adjustments: Before use, adjust the main webbings, leg straps, chest strap, and lateral straps for a snug fit.
- Inspections (Contrôles):
- Harness Container Check (Contrôle Sac-harnais): Inspect seams, eyelets, buckles, velcro, rubber bands, webbings, hardware, and ripcord housing.
- Ripcord Handle Check (Contrôle Poignée de déclenchement): Check condition, attachment, and absence of damage or oxidation.
- Canopy Check (Contrôle Voilure): Inspect seams, fabric, mesh, suspension lines, and diaper.
- Pilot Chute Check (Contrôle Extracteur): Inspect fabric, mesh, spring, and sewings.
- Bridle Check (Contrôle Drisse): Inspect the bridle and its sewings.
- Replacement Parts (Remplacement des éléments): Defective components must be replaced with original parts from Aérazur / Parachutes de France.
- Disassembly and Reassembly:
- Pilot Chute and Bridle: Release the knot at the base of the extractor and the ripcord handle.
- Locking Loops (Boulettes de fermeture): These are accessible by opening the internal container flap.
- Canopy and Toggles (Démontage de la voilure et des poignées de manoeuvre): Disconnect the quick links and slip rings. The suspension lines are numbered and connected to specific risers.
- Packing (Pliage de l'équipement P 512 / P512 équipement): This is a detailed process requiring specific tools and skills, typically performed by a qualified rigger.
- Tools for packing: Packing tapes, temporary pins, paraffin, rubber bands, and shotbags.
- Steps include: Equipping the diaper with elastic bands, adding a rubber band on attachment tape, laying the canopy on the table and attaching the apex, fixing the toggles on the back risers, folding the canopy, making a first loop, passing the rubber bands through the grommets, stowing the lines, opening the shoulder covers, adjusting the length of the locking loops, placing the risers into the container, positioning the diaper, finishing the canopy stowage, securing the lower flap, stowing the bridle, positioning the extractor, passing auxiliary tapes through the lateral flaps, and paraffin coating the temporary pins before closing the handle pocket.
Storage Conditions (Stockage Conditions normales):
- Temperature: Between 15° and 35°C (59° and 95°F)
- Humidity: Between 15% and 70%
- Protection from: UV light, excessive heat, corrosive agents, gnawing animals, and fumes.
The manual emphasizes that packing must be done by a qualified person, and any inspections or maintenance should follow the instructions provided. Annual inspections and packing records are to be kept in a dedicated logbook.
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