NEW DELHI (PTI): The Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO)
has developed a new 'stealth-parachute' capable of para-dropping soldiers at three times the normal height at which they are presently dropped, for use by defence forces in operational situations.

The parachute will help the troopers to jump from a height of 30,000 feet as compared to the current jump height of 10,000 feet and will avoid detection from the enemy as the sound of the aircraft, at this height would be inaudible, say experts.

"The benefit of such a capability will mean that we can start dropping our soldiers at a long distance (say up to 30 km) from the objective, in a safer airspace. Besides, at this height the sound of the plane would go unnoticed by enemy forces on the ground," DRDO Chief Controller, W Selvamurty said.

The new system comes equipped with lightweight oxygen cylinders to avoid suffocation, as at these heights, oxygen becomes scarce. The system provides oxygen on demand during breathing for nearly 45 minutes after bailout, Selvamurty said.

"A paratrooper till now, could only be dropped from a maximum height of 10,000 feet and one of the risks involved here is that while being airdropped from such lower heights, the para-jumper could get exposed to the enemy," he said.

The new parachutes also sport directional gadgets, which will keep the para-jumper abreast of his landing directions. "The para-jumpers will be airborne for nearly 45 minutes. With the help of directional gadgets, he can manoeuvre the parachute to reach the target," Selvamurty added.

"These new parachutes would come handy for operations close to the border and for cipher activities. We had some parachutes from abroad similar to this but they were not suitable for our requirements. We developed these parachutes keeping in mind our specific needs," he said.

Defence forces have already placed orders for nearly 700 units of such parachutes, he said.