GreenMachine 0 #1 August 17, 2006 Do any of you have experience jumping a FALCON? Below is the information I could find about this wing. Thanks for any input, ~Tom Quote The Falcon 9 cell canopy was introduced by Precision Aerodynamics in 1986. The canopy was designed utilizing the same "sizing techniques" as the Raven main/reserve. The Falcon blueprints call for F-111 fabric and either Dacron or Spectra suspension line. The larger canopies, when jumped at the lower end of the weight range, provide docile and forgiving flight characteristics. The airfoil and aspect ratio are not the same as any other Precision canopy, but the construction techniques used in the assembly were taken directly from the highly successful Raven plan, presumably because of the proven weight/pack volume ratio. As a matter of fact the Falcon 9 cell was fully drop tested in accordance with TSO C-23c, Category B. As such, it carries the approval of the FAA's TSO stamp, allowing it to also be packed as a reserve. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tri160 1 #2 August 17, 2006 It is an older 9 cell F111 skydiving canopy. It is totally unsuitable for BASE. And yes I have about 75 jumps on a Falcon175. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tornolf 0 #3 August 17, 2006 I've got about 350 jumps on a Falcon 175. If someone wanted to jump one in a BASE environment, I'd be glad to video.A waddling elephant seal is the cutest thing in the entire world. -TJ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GreenMachine 0 #4 August 17, 2006 Hey Mike & TJ, Thanks for the replies. How reliable were these canopies for you guys? Any malfunctions? I read that Jay Stokes uses Falcons for his record attempts because of their reliability. No, I have no plans to jump a FALCON in the BASE environment. The idea is to use a size 300 to static-line from a tethered balloon. I emphasize, this is just an idea so no one should feel compelled to run to the FAA Rigger, Skydiver, BASE Jumper, Retired TM Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tornolf 0 #5 August 17, 2006 Very reliable and very stable even in tons of line twists. Obviously I have no idea what the opening characterics are slider down. It always opened briskly with a sail slider and the openings for wingsuit are nice in full flight. No idea how quick it'd be with a mesh slider. Good luck.A waddling elephant seal is the cutest thing in the entire world. -TJ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kreid 0 #6 August 17, 2006 I have about 300 skydives on a Falcon 195 and my first BASE jump at BD was with it. I always thought the openings were very reliable and predictable. Never any malfunctions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rpersi 0 #7 August 17, 2006 There are a couple people at Bridge Day who jump them but personally, I would not BASE jump them anywhere else. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SabreDave 0 #8 August 17, 2006 I know someone will flame the shit out of me if I'm wrong but............. Wasn't the Falcon the only 9 cell TSO'd as a reserve? The jumps I have done were on a 235, opeings were brisk all the way to painfully fast. Does it have dacron or spectra lines? Even a static line with spectra could add more pain to the situation.SabreDave Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
base283 0 #9 August 17, 2006 They are quite fast in fwd speed. take care, space Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thawk58 0 #10 August 18, 2006 I had over 300 jumps on a falcon 215, and 2 off the bridge at bridge day......that's not the greatest, but for in skydiving it always opened, although liked to snivel alot.....in it's lifetime (which is still ongoing) it's had over 2000 jumps and never a reserve. One of the great canopies made Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
