Square Round Technology (SQR)
The unique Square Round technology heralds a new generation of reserve parachutes, merging the advantages of the classic round canopy and the cross canopy into an innovative and forward-looking product.
The SQR has been developed and adapted to the needs of pilots and packers. Countless computer simulations and in-practice tests were an essential part of the exhaustive development process.
Advantages of the SQR in brief:
- Improved opening behaviour as a result of comprehensive practical testing.
- Low sink rates and high pendulum stability (swing resistance) thanks to an aerodynamically optimised canopy with Air Jets.
- Low weight thanks to careful choice of materials.
- Straightforward and reliable packing – similar to a round canopy – with comparatively fewer lines for easy sorting, and useful coloured packing aids.
- No directional tracking in flight.
- Tested for water landings! Thanks to a mix of low-shrinkage materials, functionality is fully guaranteed even after a water landing.
- Certified to both EN 12491 and LTF NFL II 91/09 flight standards.
Structural Design
- Bridle
- Base lines
- Centre lines
- Air-Jets
- Canopy
- Packing loops
BRIDLE
One end connects to the harness, the other to the reserve canopy suspension lines.
SUSPENSION LINES
The suspension lines can be divided into two main groups:
Base lines (all the same length to simplify packing) connect the bridle to the edge of the canopy.
Centre lines connect the bridle to near the middle of the canopy.
The two groups are made from different materials of different diameters, to make them easier to separate and sort. In addition, the lines on the left and right sides, as well as in the centre , are different colours to make them easier to separate.
CANOPY
Main canopy: made up of different panels with one red corner panel, to make packing and sorting easier.
Reinforcing tapes: at the edge of the canopy and specially chosen places on the canopy surface.
Air Jets: at the four corners to provide active aerodynamic stability.
Packing loops: coloured blue and numbered – on the canopy top surface (see Fig 1).
Coloured line attachment tapes: red , green and white - these distribute the load to the canopy edge, and also act as sorting and packing aids.
Hangglider versions
Hangglider versions of the SQR have a swivel in the bridle (connection line). The swivel has been tested and certified up to 5,000 kg breaking load. The swivel effectively prevents a spinning wing from twisting the parachute suspension lines. It is an essential safety factor.
The swivel is factory-fitted to hangglider versions of the SQR. Retrofitting of a swivel is not permitted. If a reserve does not have a built-in swivel, it is a paraglider version. Conversion for use with a hangglider is not permitted.
To maximise safety against a carabiner or other equipment failure, we recommend that the reserve should also be connected directly to the hangglider harness by a suitable connector link (minimum breaking load 2,500kg).