Ukraine to upgrade its AN-26 planes to use with U.S.-made T-11 parachute system

Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has awarded the Antonov company a contract to upgrade the AN-26 military transport plane for use with U.S.-made T-11 Advanced Tactical Parachute System.

Antonov has received a contract valued at as much as UAH 2,79 million ($90 thousand) to modify one AN-26 military transport plane for the T-11 Advanced Tactical Parachute System (ATPS).

Location of performance is Kyiv, with a November 1, 2020, performance completion date.

- ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW -

The T-11 is the newest personnel parachute system adopted by the United States armed forces and the Canadian Army.

It is suitable for a wide range of Soldier sizes, from the 5th percentile female to the 95th percentile male Soldier. It enables a stable, safe rate of descent that reduces landing injuries and permits the parachutist to carry a heavier load. The T-11 consists of three components: a completely redesigned main, T-11R reserve parachute and the T-11 harness system.

The main canopy is a highly modified version of a cross-cruciform platform, with a 14 percent increase in inflated diameter and a 28 percent increase in surface area compared with its predecessor, the T-10D assembly. The T-11R reserve canopy has an aeroconical design that promotes fast opening of the reserve system during low-speed malfunctions. It also features an omni-directional, center-pull deployment system. The T-11 harness, because of higher placement of the D-rings, is designed to displace opening shock forces on the axis of the jumper’s body.

In November 2019, Ukraine acquired 260 T-11 parachute systems manufactured by Airborne Systems North America. The deal amounted to $4.2 million. Earlier, several more T-11 parachute systems were purchased for testing.

Photo by Barbara Romano

If you would like to show your support for what we are doing, here's where to do it.

If you wish to report grammatical or factual errors within our news articles, you can let us know by using the online feedback form.

Executive Editor

About author:

Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov is the editor-in-chief of Defence Blog. He is a journalist, an accredited defense advisor, and a consultant. His background as a defense advisor and consultant adds a unique perspective to his journalistic endeavors, ensuring that his reporting is well-informed and authoritative. read more

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

TRENDING NOW

Pakistan unveils new kamikaze drone at IDEX 2025

Pakistan has unveiled its latest loitering munition, the BLAZE-25, at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The BLAZE-25, designed and...