Cypres

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This page is about the Automatic Activation Device for parachutes.

For the tree family, see Cupressaceae.

For the Mediterranean island, see Cyprus.

Cypres is an acronym for Cybernetic Parachute Release System. It refers to a specific make and model of an Automatic Activation Device (AAD), a device that automatically opens a parachute (typically as a reserve system for a skydiver)under certain circumstances. A Cypres will usually open at a preset altitude if the rate of descent is over a certain threshold. The manufacturer of the Cypres is Airtec.

The Cypres works by using a cutter to cut the reserve container closing loop. A spring loaded pilot chute then leaves the container and breaks through the skydiver's slipstream to begin reserve deployment.

The Cypres comes in four different models: Expert, Student, Tandem and Speed. The basic operation of the units is the same; only the activation parameters are different, having been optimized for different types of skydiving.