Mission:
Maximizes the success of Army free fall missions by enabling clandestine insertion.

Description:
The Military Free Fall (MFF) Advanced Ram Air Parachute System (ARAPS) also known as the Ram Air-1 (RA-1) is a multi-mission, high-altitude parachute delivery system. It allows Soldiers to exit at altitudes between 3,500 feet and 25,000 feet. The parachute, which replaces the current MC-4 parachute, supports a total jumper weight of 450 pounds. It also provides non-MFF personnel with a ram air parachute that is static-line deployed.

The RA-1’s three accessory systems are at different stages of the acquisition process:

The Enhanced Electronic Automatic Activation Device (EEAAD) will be used with current and next-generation parachute systems, replacing the Electronic Automatic Activation Device (EAAD). EEAAD provides a simpler and more reliable method of activation in the event the parachutist is unable to deploy the parachute at the appropriate altitude. The EEAAD activates and cuts the reserve parachute closing loops if the jumper is falling at 78 mph or faster at the minimum deployment altitude.

The Parachutist Navigational Aid (PARANAV) provides in-flight navigation and mission planning capability. It allows parachutists under canopy to easily locate themselves and the intended drop zone. The system utilizes a GPS that integrates with the Mission Planner of the Joint Precision Airdrop System (MP JPADS). This ensures accurate canopy flight and drop zone landings to within 100 meters of the target drop zone.

The Parachutist Oxygen Mask (POM) provides supplemental oxygen at 14,000 feet and higher, and is easier to use and maintain than the previous MBU-12P mask. The POM will not interfere with the parachutist's vision or range of motion and the oxygen hose runs behind the jumper's shoulder so as to not interfere with ripcord deployment.