AIR-POL Parachutes Personal AST

tow parachute

AST

The AST parachute is intended for pleasure flights on tow behind a motor-boat or by winch. It allows to tow the passenger up to a certain altitude, and then for glide freely after tow release. Flying characteristics of these parachutes optimise them for use over lakes and sea beaches for towing of persons with a certain flying experience (for example paraglider pilots or parachute jumpers). In favourable conditions, and after towing up to a high altitude it is possible to glide at distances of up to several kilometres. High degree of control (by two steering lines) allows for easy manoeuvring in the air. The parachute has a rectangular chamber canopy and a universal harness with a seat. Special system of main tapes leads the main towing forces directly onto canopy lines, rather than to the passenger harness, suspended below. The harness is equipped with straps that surround the passenger's body, with high degree of adjustment, allowing to tow persons of varying profiles. During flight the tow can be released at all times, by either the passenger or the parachute operator in the boat.

The complete parachute kit includes:

  • canopy with lines, main tapes and release system,
  • harness,
  • transport bag,
  • warranty card.

    Technical description

    The parachute canopy is attached to the tow line by a line system and two-point main tapes with the release system, to the pilot's harness by carabiners.
    The chamber canopy of the parachute has rectangular planform and is made of Carrington Novare rip-stop fabric. The canopy has 9 main chambers, each of them divided into three smaller ones. The airflow around the wing-shaped canopy creates lift and causes very fast climb.
    The pilot is suspended under the canopy by a cascade line system. The lines feature excellent strength characteristics and high flexibility. The AST parachute is controlled by pulling of two steering lines. This changes the geometry of the canopy trailing edge, resulting in a change of the airflow around the canopy and creates control stimulus. Pulling of the starboard (right-hand) steering line causes a turn to right, while of the port (left-hand) one - to the left.
    Main tapes distribute the pilot weight load on a system of lines, allowing them to be loaded more uniformly. The two-strap arrangement allows setting the canopy at proper angle with regard to the oncoming air. During flight the pilot is attached to the harness, which at the same time forms his seat, and by the main tapes and lines connects him with the parachute canopy. A properly adjusted set of harness belts ensures steady fastening of the pilot and thus increases his safety in flight. The harness features adjustable straps, allowing persons of varying profiles to fly.

    Technical data

    Dimensions
    packed length [mm] 500
    packed width [mm] 350
    packed height [mm] 350
    canopy area [m2] 28,6
    Weights
    weight of assembly [kg] 11,2
    max suspended weight [kg] 72-87
    Performances
    rate of descent [m/s] 1,8-4
    max. towing speed [m/s] 10
    take-off distance [m] 4
    towing force [daN] 50-90