Testers with the latest Tandem-400 parachute systems left the aircraft from a height of 10,120 m
Rostec organized a unique landing with the latest Tandem-400 parachute systems, setting several records at once. For the first time in the world, three pairs of parachutists left the aircraft from the stratosphere — from a height of 10,120 m. The peculiarity of the jump is also that the opening of the parachutes occurred almost under the tail of the aircraft — at 10,000 m. The landing was carried out by test parachutists of the State Flight Test Center of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. The achievement is recorded in the Russian Book of Records.
The paratroopers landed from an AN-72 aircraft at a speed of 350 km/h. The temperature outside was -57 °C. The testers spent about 30 minutes in the air and the whole group landed in a set square.
The record jump was performed by three pairs of test parachutists of the GLITZ of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation: Andrey Toporkov - Andrey Morozov, Maxim Sitailo — Yuri Koloskov, as well as Yuri Mironov, paired with the presenter of the "Military Acceptance" of the Zvezda TV channel Alexey Egorov.
"This landing is part of the work to expand the range of application of the Tandem—400 parachute system within the framework of the inherent tactical and technical characteristics. What is considered a record today will become the norm for this product after the tests. Of course, jumping from the stratosphere belongs to the category of extreme, requires special equipment, including oxygen. But the peculiarity of the Tandem-400 is that the system allows you to land an unprepared person in tandem with an instructor. For example, a doctor, a dog handler or another specialized specialist. The parachute system developed by Rostec specialists covers all the needs that currently face the specialists of search and rescue groups and special purpose groups," said Andrey Toporkov, head of the department, senior test parachutist at 929 GLITZ of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.
The Tandem-400 two-seat parachute system for special purposes was developed by the Rostec State Corporation Parachute Plant. It is designed for training and combat jumps performed by a parachutist with a passenger, with equipment and cargo with a flight weight of up to 225 kg. The system can be used in conjunction with oxygen equipment for high-altitude jumps, cargo fastening systems and additional cargo containers.
"The further we develop the characteristics of our parachute systems — load capacity, landing heights, aerodynamic quality, the more tasks our military personnel can perform. Jumping from a height of 10 km has serious practical significance. Firstly, such a landing allows you to cover as much distance as possible. If we need, for example, to deliver specialists at a distance of about 20-30 km, then it is almost impossible to do this from a height of 4 km and below. Secondly, high-altitude landing provides low visibility, including for air defense systems. All these tasks can be solved with the Tandem-400," commented Oleg Yevtushenko, Executive Director of Rostec State Corporation.
About how this unique jump was prepared, how the landing took place and how modern parachute systems are produced, watch the program "Military Acceptance" on the Zvezda TV channel on Sunday, December 1.
