Cypress AAD

CYPRES (Cybernetic Parachute Release System) is a leading brand of Automatic Activation Device (AAD) for skydiving. It acts as a safety backup by automatically deploying the reserve parachute if a jumper is unable to do so manually by a certain altitude.

CYPRES 2 | AAD Skydiving Products | CYPRES
Military CYPRES 2 1500 / 35 A – SSK Military Industries, Inc.

How it Works
The device uses a microprocessor to monitor barometric pressure, calculating both altitude and rate of descent in real-time. If it detects the jumper is still at freefall speeds below a specific altitude (typically around 750 feet), it triggers a pyrotechnic cutter to slice the reserve parachute’s closing loop.

Common Models
CYPRES units come in several specialized versions tailored to different skydiving disciplines:

Expert: The standard for most licensed jumpers, activating at 78 mph (35 m/s) at ~750 ft AGL.

Student: Features a higher activation altitude and lower speed threshold (29 mph) to account for students who might have a partially opened but malfunctioning main canopy.

Tandem: Specifically calibrated for the higher terminal speeds and different safety requirements of tandem jumps.

Speed: Designed for high-performance canopy pilots (“swoopers”) with a much higher activation speed of 102 mph (46 m/s) to avoid accidental triggers during aggressive maneuvers.

Changeable Mode: A versatile “4-in-1” unit that allows the user to switch between the four modes above in the field.

Maintenance & Lifespan
Reliability: CYPRES is renowned for its “100% reliability” record, with over 4,000 lives saved and no reported failures to cut the loop when conditions were met.

Service Intervals: Manufacturers Airtec recommend maintenance every 5 and 10 years. For units manufactured before December 2015, maintenance is mandatory at 4 and 8 years.

Water Resistance: The current CYPRES 2 is waterproof for up to 15 minutes at a depth of 15 feet.

Cypress AAD
Cypress AAD
Cypress AAD