ČSLA Personal Airborne Parachute

Parachute OVP-68

ČSLA personal airborne parachute OVP-68 – four deployment methods, canopy 73 m², stabiliser chute, two-cable and three-needle release, KAP-3.

The personal airborne parachute OVP-68 is designed for combat and training jumps from aircraft. It can be used in four ways: free fall, with stabiliser chute on a retard, with stabiliser chute on progressive opening, or with a tied deployment bag.

Technical Specifications

Canopy area73 m²

Number of panels28

Descent rate (100 kg)5.3 m/s

Descent on stabiliser chute35 m/s

Forward speed2–2.5 m/s

360° rotation time25 seconds

Max. paratrooper weight with equipment120 kg

Weight (without bag and KAP)14.5 kg

Dimensions560 × 305 × 200 mm

Maximum number of jumps150

Arming deviceKAP, AD-3

Height and Speed Limits

Min. altitude – progressive opening (to 180 km/h)150 m

Min. altitude – tied deployment bag400 m

Min. altitude – stabiliser, progressive opening600 m

Min. altitude – stabiliser with 3–5 s retard800 m

Max. speed – tied deployment bag140 km/h

Max. speed – exit from side door250 km/h

Max. speed – stabiliser min. 3 s from rear380 km/h

Max. speed – free fall longer than 10 sunlimited

Main Components

Canopy with suspension lines and free ends of harness

Round canopy, area 73 m², sewn from 28 panels. Made from three types of fabric. 28 suspension lines, length 7.5 m. Free ends from 44 mm chemlon webbing with quick-release locks.

Pilot chute

Mushroom-shaped, made from chemlon fabric. Used to extract the stabiliser chute and deployment bag.

Stabiliser chute

Stabilises the paratrooper and reduces the opening shock at higher exit speeds. Truncated cone canopy, area 1.5 m², 16 suspension lines, length 1,300 mm.

Connecting tape

Connects the deployment bag to the canopy apex. Length 1,700 mm, ends with loops.

Deployment bag

Made from artificial silk, length 5,100 mm. Reduces opening shock. Red-coloured for easy location in the field.

Coupon ring

Fixes the folded connecting tape. Diameter 15–25 mm. Single-use only.

Harness

Made from 44 mm chemlon webbing, strength 1,500 kg. Quick-release locks at the shoulders. Left side pocket for manual release.

Container

Envelope shape, reinforced with steel frame. Retaining lock with log book pocket. Right pocket for KAP device. Rubber springs for rapid opening.

Deployment line

For forced parachute opening. Made from chemlon tubing. Carabiner on one end, loop on the other. Cotton sleeve protects the section nearest the carabiner.

Two-cable release

For manual opening of the retaining lock and container. Short cable (600 mm) for retaining lock, long cable (700 mm) for container.

Three-needle release

For manual parachute opening. Trapezoid handle from 7 mm steel wire, three steel needles for locking the container.

Carry bag

For storing and transporting the packed parachute.