Skyhook (skydiving)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Skyhook is a safety feature on parachute systems. It is an advanced type of reserve static line, which functions to automatically deploy a reserve parachute after a malfunctioning main parachute has been cut-away. Where the traditional RSL only pulls the reserve pin initiating the reserve parachute deployment sequence after a cut-away, the Skyhook goes further, extracting the reserve parachute from its deployment bag using the malfunctioning main parachute as a "super pilot chute".
The Skyhook system is viable because it does not interfere with normal reserve deployment (as long as the hook portion does not rip or tear the canopy) when no main parachute has been deployed despite helping with cutaways. The key component in the system which allows this and from which the Skyhook derives its name is a cantilevered hook on the reserve bridle. If a malfunctioning main applies more pull force to the deployment of the reserve then it will remain attached to the reserve bridle. If on the other hand the reserve pilot chute exerts more pull force deploying the reserve than the static line then a normal reserve deployment will proceed with the main static line connection being released from the bridle.
The primary advantage of the Skyhook system over a more traditional RSL is that the reserve will deploy more rapidly after a cutaway and therefore the skydiver will lose less altitude before he has a reserve canopy slowing his descent, this may make the difference between a save and a fatality if the main is released by the skydiver at a low altitude.
Accompanying the Skyhook system is the Collins Lanyard which helps ensure that both risers are detached for the Skyhook deployment sequence.
The Skyhook was developed by the founder of United Parachute Technologies, Bill Booth. It is currently only available on Vector III parachute containers.
