Chinese parachutes overview

The leading parachutes manufacturer of China (the monopolist?) – Jincheng company (金城, “a golden city”) manufactures a lot of various parachutes, but most of them are round.

About Jincheng Group

These parachutes are troop SBS-9, reserve BFS-6A and BFS-7, training XLS-3, amphibious training (landing on water) XLS-6, and a little bit weird “low-altitude” troop SBS-10 parachute (it consists of three round parachutes working simultaneously).
As we know round parachutes are purely a drag device (that is, unlike the ram-air types, they provide no lift) and are used in military, emergency and cargo applications.
The rest 4 parachutes are more closer to sport – round YDS-3D Sports (similar to russian training UT-15 canopy) and three ram-air systems: tactical SBS-11, YDS-6A Sports and YDS-10A.

A soldier smiles after completing his first parachute training successfully at a military airport in Central China’s Hubei province on Jan 13, 2015.

SBS-9 Troop Parachute

SBS-9 troop parachute is a new system dedicated to combating and training of paratroops. With this parachute system, soldiers can land on various terrains, such as mountainous areas, hills, forestry areas and paddy fields.

BFS-6A Reserve Parachute

Used with SBS parachute systems, BFS-6A is to ensure the safety of the solider in case that the main parachute is in malfunction. Features of BFS-6A include rapid opening, fast inflation. Thus, this reserve parachute can be deployed in quite a low altitud – 100m, which makes this system a very reliable reserve parachute. What’s more, BFS-6A is of light weight and small volume, which does not add much load to the solider.
Applying aircrafts include Y-5, Y-8(C), An-26 and IL-76.

BFS-7 Reserve Parachute

BFS-7 reserve parachute is compatible with YDS parachute systems equipped with the main parachute release device. This reserve parachute is designed for experienced sportsmen. It can ensure their safety during training or competition when the main parachute of YDS system is in malfunction. Because of its cone canopy, BFS-7 reserve system is much more stable than the round reserve system with an even canopy.
Applying aircrafts include Y-5, Y-8(C), An-26 and IL-76.

XLS-3 Training Parachute

XLS-3 is a training parachute. Firstly, students can be sent to the designated altitude with the traction equipment. Then they can learn to manipulate the parachute and to land with/without the traction rope after being released.
Payload: 50-90kg (can be extended to 45-95kg)

XLS-6 Amphibious Training Parachute

XLS-6 system is specially designed for pilots and other relevant personnel. It can be used for students to learn how to land either on land or on water.
Applying aircrafts include Y-5, An-26, Y-7 and helicopters.

SBS-10 Low-altitude Troop Parachute

SBS-10 parachute system consists of three parachutes and it is applied in the combating and training of soldiers. It meets the need of jump in low altitude.
Applying aircrafts include Y-5, Y-8(C), An-26 and IL-76.

YDS-3D Sports Parachute

YDS-3D sports parachute is designed for training and competition.
Applying aircrafts include Y-5, Y-8(C), An-26 and IL-76.

SBS-11 Tactical Ram-air Parachute

SBS-11 is a ram-air parachute system for the combating and training of paratroops and Special Forces. In this system, the main parachute and the reserve parachute are stowed in one container. This design not only enables SBS-11 to be deployed with faster aircraft speed but also makes it an easier system for students to learn and handle. The enhanced load capacity and the high gliding ratio of SBS-11 ensure this parachute system is a state-of-art product domestically and an advanced product in the world.
Applying aircrafts include Y-5, Y-8(C), An-26 and IL-76.

YDS-6A Sports Parachute

YDS-6A sports parachute is designed for masters to do base jumping and sky diving training and competition.
Applying aircrafts include Y-5, Y-8(C), An-26 and IL-76.

YDS-10A Sports Parachute

YDS-10A sports parachute is designed for masters to do base jumping and sky diving training and competition. Except for its light weight and small size, YDS-10A also excels at gliding performance, steering ability and stability. Through control, parachutists can achieve gliding, rotating, braking, stalling and flaring.
Applying aircrafts include Y-5, Y-8(C), An-26 and IL-76.