Parachute company · full development cycle

From first requirement
to qualified system.

Six phases from the first requirement to after-sale support. Every phase produces a result the next one builds on.

Six phases

From defining requirements to after sale, the six phases follow our full turn-key process.

  1. 01

    Define

    Mission requirements, constraints, cost and timeline are agreed before any engineering decision is taken.

    ResultAgreed system requirement

  2. 02

    Design

    Recovery architecture, lightweight materials and the supporting analysis are developed against the defined constraints.

    ResultArchitecture and material concept

  3. 03

    Prototyping

    Build, material testing and assembly produce an article that can actually be put under test.

    ResultTestable prototype

  4. 04

    Testing

    Deployment sequences, ground and air drops, and the analysis of the recorded data establish how the system behaves.

    ResultTest data and evidence package

  5. 05

    Production

    Traceable series manufacturing, quality control and delivery turn the released design into hardware.

    ResultProduction release and delivery

  6. 06

    After sale

    Manuals, training, repair, repacking and lifecycle support keep the system available for its service life.

    ResultTraining and lifecycle support

The phases in detail

What each phase defines, builds and proves.

01

Defining requirements

The requirements of the aerial system are agreed at the start of the project. Detailed technical specifications for parachutes, inflatable decelerators, cargo drop systems and custom textile solutions are established in close cooperation with each customer.

The collaborative requirement-definition process includes:

  • Identifying mission parameters: payload mass, opening altitude, flight speed, descent profile and deployment environment.
  • Defining performance goals: sink rate, glide ratio, G-force tolerance, landing footprint and steerability.
  • Selecting the optimal recovery type: round, rectangular, cruciform, ram-air, steerable, single-skin (manual or autonomous) or hybrid, e.g. canopy plus airbag.
  • Addressing deployment constraints: weight, volume, multistage vs. instantaneous deployment, repackability.
  • Aligning with certification targets: MIL-SPEC, EN or ISO standards where applicable.
  • Setting realistic timelines and cost frameworks based on mission scope and available resources.

The requirements are agreed with the customer before development begins.

Three people discuss a small orange parachute sample at a table; overlay reads “50 Years of High-End Aerodynamics”
02

Designing the optimal solution

Once requirements are finalised, a multidisciplinary team of engineers designs the solution using textile engineering, aerodynamic simulation and over 50 years of design experience.

This phase includes:

  • Mapping mission profiles to ideal recovery system architectures.
  • Performing dynamic simulations of canopy behaviour under various real-world loads.
  • Designing for minimal volume and weight — without compromising reliability.
  • Selecting from stocked, battle-proven materials such as Nylon 6.6, Kevlar®, Dyneema® and specialty inflatables.
  • Integrating required components: reefing devices, sliders, release systems, airbags, connectors and reinforcement layouts.
  • Presenting a validated concept to the client through structured reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR), tailored to the project timeline.

Every design is validated for structural integrity, deployment efficiency, environmental durability and ease of integration into the final platform — ensuring readiness for prototyping and field testing.

Workstation monitor showing a three-dimensional model of a round canopy with its lines converging below
Over-the-shoulder view of a screen showing four views of a canopy layout: panel cuts, curved surface, plan view and profile section
03

Creating a prototype

Following Critical Design Review (CDR) approval, prototype fabrication begins. Our vertically integrated production transforms the approved design into a physical, functional unit.

The process includes:

  • Preparing detailed manufacturing plans and work instructions based on the final design.
  • Selecting and verifying all MIL-SPEC and EN-certified materials prior to assembly.
  • Testing fabrics, webbings, lines and hardware to confirm strength, porosity and dimensional stability.
  • Producing the prototype using precision laser cutting, stitching, automated pattern stitching where applicable, and assembly techniques refined over decades in parachute and inflatable system manufacturing.
  • Ensuring all measurements, tolerances and assembly steps match the approved CDR specifications.
  • Conducting a First Article Inspection (FAI) in cooperation with the customer.

The objective is a prototype that fully matches the final design intent, ready to proceed into the dedicated testing phase of the development cycle.

Close-up of a sewing machine: a metal guide plate holds two layers of fabric while the needle runs a seam along the edge
White square parachute canopy being inflated on the ground by one person on a meadow
04

Testing and validation

After a prototype is complete, a structured testing and validation process ensures the system meets all operational and safety requirements. It is conducted in full cooperation with the customer, aligning each step with mission objectives and certification needs.

It follows the Parachute Deployment Sequence (PDS) methodology, progressing from controlled ground evaluations to full-scale airborne testing.

Stage 1 – Initial deployment and material verification

Controlled tests to gather baseline performance data:

  • Drop tower tests: measuring canopy inflation time, opening characteristics and line tension.
  • Vehicle deployment tests: simulating real-world deployments to assess opening shock and initial performance.

Stage 2 – Intermediate drop testing

Once baseline results are confirmed, aerial drop testing follows, based on system weight and mission profile:

  • PPC (Powered Parachute) drops for payloads up to 140 kg: assessing deployment sequence, opening loads, glide behaviour and landing accuracy.

Stage 3 – Heavy payload and high-speed testing

For payloads above 140 kg:

  • Helicopter drop tests supporting up to 1,000 kg payloads and speeds up to 130 knots: validating deployment stability and structural integrity under demanding conditions.

Stage 4 – Extreme load and specialised missions

For systems beyond helicopter capacity:

  • Sky Vans and similar aircraft: mid- to heavy-load testing in complex mission scenarios.
  • C-130 and equivalent platforms: extremely heavy payloads, high-speed deployments and advanced operational testing.

Post-test analysis and continuous improvement

After each test the results are examined and analyzed in full. A detailed test report is provided to the customer, including all measured values and aerodynamic parameters; for ram-air canopies this includes minimum and maximum speed, glide ratio, brake and steering loads, and additional performance data. The review identifies whether any changes are required in the prototype design, leading to the next iteration, a revised configuration or an improved version over the original concept.

Testing and validation goals

  • Confirm deployment timing and reliability.
  • Control and measure opening shock forces.
  • Verify descent rate, glide path, landing accuracy and manoeuvrability (including turning radius).
  • Measure performance specifics for ram-air canopies, including speed range, glide ratio and control input loads.
  • Validate load distribution and structural performance.
  • Ensure readiness for operational deployment.
Blue paratrike frame with a parachute container attached to it, a canopy laid out on the field beside it
Helicopter hovering over an airfield, a strap running down to a load in a cage container on the ground
05

Serial production and quality control

After successful completion of testing and validation and formal customer approval of the prototype, full-scale serial production begins.

Our fully vertical production facility is designed to deliver mission-ready parachutes, recovery systems, inflatables and custom textile products to the agreed quality and traceability requirements. It handles both small and large production runs, offering flexible lead times and scalable output for urgent operational needs or long-term supply programs.

Full vertical manufacturing in our facility

Every stage of production — from raw material preparation to final assembly — is completed under one roof. This ensures:

  • Full backwards traceability: every component, subassembly and material can be traced back to its production batch and individual serial number.
  • Controlled quality at every stage: embedded quality-control checkpoints are built into each manufacturing phase.
  • Production adjustments: raw material preparation, manufacturing and final assembly take place in the same facility.

Integrated quality control

  • Incoming material inspection: verifying all MIL-SPEC or EN-certified components before they enter production.
  • In-process quality checks: monitoring dimensions, tolerances and workmanship at each assembly stage.
  • Final inspection: every product undergoes a comprehensive review before approval.
  • Final COC issuance: a Certificate of Conformance is issued for each completed unit, tied to its unique serial number.

Certified and compliant

  • Our production facility is fully ISO 9001 certified.
  • Capability to integrate additional certifications (e.g. NATO AQAP, AS9100 or other standards) upon customer request.
  • Compliance with export regulations and industry-specific requirements.

Our facility handles single production runs and high-volume manufacturing, with quality control throughout production.

Row of packed blue parachutes with bundled lines on a long packing table in production
Packed blue parachutes in protective film, each with an “Inspected” label showing date, code and serial number
06

After-sales support and lifecycle services

After delivery, we provide after-sales support so that parachutes, recovery systems, inflatables and custom textile products can be maintained throughout their service life.

Comprehensive documentation

  • Full user manuals: step-by-step guidance on operation, deployment and storage.
  • Maintenance and inspection guidelines: clear schedules and procedures to ensure continued reliability.
  • Storage instructions: best practices for environmental control, folding and long-term packing to preserve material integrity.
  • Periodical repacking procedures: recommended timelines and processes to maintain deployment readiness.
  • Complete production file: detailed technical documentation, drawings and specifications for each serial-numbered product.

Training and skill transfer

  • On-site training at our headquarters in Israel: hands-on sessions with engineers and production specialists.
  • Customer site training: worldwide deployment of the training team for operational and maintenance instruction.
  • Repair and maintenance courses: tailored to your team’s skill level and operational needs.

Repair, maintenance and upgrades

  • Repair at our facility: conducted by our trained technicians using certified materials.
  • Field maintenance support: on-demand technical assistance for deployed systems.
  • Upgrades and modifications: adjusting systems for evolving mission requirements.

Product lifecycle support

  • Lifecycle planning: estimating operational lifespan based on mission type, usage frequency and environmental factors.
  • End-of-life assessment: inspection and documentation to determine when systems should be retired or replaced.
  • Lifecycle extension programs: refurbishment, part replacement and upgrades to extend service life.

Custom support solutions

Each customer has unique operational requirements. Tailored after-sales solutions are available on special request, including:

  • Additional certification or compliance support.
  • Integration assistance with other systems.
  • Extended service contracts for long-term programs.

After-sales services include inspection, repair, overhaul, parts replacement and upgrades throughout the service life.

Worker in a face mask spreading a grey-green canopy along a long workshop table and running the lines through her hand

Source: apcodefense.com (APCO Aviation), as of 25 September 2026.

Frequently asked

How the work actually runs.

How does a project run?

In six phases: define, design, prototyping, testing, production and after sale. Every phase produces a distinct result the next one builds on — from the agreed system requirement through the testable prototype and the evidence package to production release. That keeps it traceable what has already been proven.

Can an existing requirement be reviewed?

Yes. An existing requirement can be reviewed to understand whether it reflects the platform limits, mission conditions and full recovery or protection sequence. The review looks at factors such as opening shock, canopy stability, descent rate, packed volume, available space and deployment height. For new customers, the initial requirements discussion is normally included.

What happens after delivery?

After sale is the sixth phase, not an add-on. It covers manuals, training, repair, storage and repacking guidance, and lifecycle services such as refurbishment, part replacement and upgrades. Technical involvement continues after delivery: it keeps the system ready for operation, protects critical assets and supports mission continuity.

Who carries out development and testing?

We run development, prototype build and the PDS test sequence ourselves, with in-house testing capabilities up to 1,000 kg payloads. After each test, a detailed test report with all measured values and aerodynamic parameters is provided to the customer. Formal certification and approval processes are determined by the relevant standard, authority and project requirements.

How are parachute systems tested?

Following the Parachute Deployment Sequence (PDS) methodology in four stages: first drop tower and vehicle deployment tests, then PPC drops for payloads up to 140 kg, then helicopter drops supporting up to 1,000 kg and speeds up to 130 knots. Systems beyond helicopter capacity move to Sky Vans and similar aircraft, and to C-130 and equivalent platforms.

Which standards does production follow?

Our production facility is fully ISO 9001 certified, and additional certifications such as NATO AQAP or AS9100 can be integrated upon customer request. The materials are MIL-SPEC or EN certified and verified at our incoming inspection. We issue a Certificate of Conformance for each completed unit, tied to its unique serial number.

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