Main assisted reserve deployment
skydiving safety device
A main assisted reserve deployment (MARD) system is a skydiving safety device for parachute systems. While there are many variations, the operation and intended outcome for each is the same: open the reserve parachute container and extract the reserve parachute's deployment bag (and parachute) using the jettisoned main canopy. A MARD builds upon how a reserve static line (RSL) safety device works and in most circumstances, MARDs incorporate an RSL.
Parachute deployment
To understand what and how a MARD works, it is important to describe deployment systems and how a MARD is built upon these.
In modern, common sport parachute systems, there are two parachutes: a main and a reserve. There are three types of intended parachute deployments: main only, reserve only, and main deployment and jettison followed by the reserve. A reserve deployment followed by a main deployment is a fourth and not intended deployment sequence. MARDs and RSLs operate with the reserve deployment, and therefore had two modes of operation: main jettison to reserve deployment and reserve only deployment.
Manual deployment
Main deployment
The main parachute deployment sequence starts via a throw-out pilot chute, which upon inflating with the high-speed relative wind going past a free-falling jumper wearing the parachute system, extracts the main pin holding the main container closed. Once open, the pilot chute extracts the main deployment bag - a nylon bag which holds the main parachute and stages the parachute deployment allowing the parachute lines to reach tension prior to releasing the parachute allowing it to inflate.
Reserve deployment
The reserve parachute deployment sequence is similar to a main deployment sequence, although initiation can occur a number of different ways depending on which safety systems are installed.
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