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Oct. 5, 2016 / 12:29 PM

France orders new gear for special-ops parachutists

Special operations paratroopers of the French military are to receive enhanced equipment from Zodiac Aerosafety.

U.S. special operations parachutists in a tandem free fall. U.S. Marine Corps photo by SGT Mike Black

U.S. special operations parachutists in a tandem free fall. U.S. Marine Corps photo by SGT Mike Black

PARIS, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- The French military has contracted Zodiac Aerosafety Systems to supply air drop systems for special mission skydivers.

The new system will consist of a parachute, a navigation system, a self-guided package, communications system, skydiver protection equipment -- helmet, low temperature clothing -- and all accessories required by the parachutist.

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The French defense procurement agency, Directorate General of Armaments, said the system will allow a total mass of about 441 pounds to be dropped from an altitude of about 30,000 feet, where the G9 parachute now in service can take only handle 352 pounds at 24,000 feet.

Additional details of the contract, including its value and expected delivery of the systems, were not disclosed.

Zodiac Aerosafety Systems is headquartered in France.

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