The Raven Dash-M Series is Precision's newest Reserve
The Raven Dash-M Series is Precision's newest Reserve
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Go to Specifications of the Raven Dash-M Series
Go back to product page1. Is the Dash-M Reserve TSO'd yet?
Certification of the Raven Dash-M Series under Federal Aviation Administration Technical Standard Order C-23d was issued for all eight models of the Raven Dash-M Series in January 1997, and the canopy design is now in full production.
2. What is the primary difference in the Raven Dash-M Series and the previous Super Raven Series?
The Raven Dash-M Series was designed from the very beginning to be a reserve-only canopy. Unlike the Super Raven Series which is commonly used as a main or as a reserve, the Raven Dash-M Series has no main bridle attachment ring and associated hardware, and no packing tabs or other bulky tapes necessary for a canopy used in the environment as a main parachute. The upper surface and rib templates are similar in both canopies, as is the line trim, but the Raven Dash-M Series is only available with Spectra Line.
Each canopy in the Raven Dash-M Series has its own Maximum Operating Weight Limit, and because it is certified under C-23d it is not limited to the 254 lb maximum imposed by the older standard. The Raven 282-M is certified for use up to almost 300 lbs . The Maximum Operating Weight Limit for all models is expanded, and with the addition of a 109 square foot version, the Dash-M Series is comprised of 8 different sizes.
The Maximum Operating Weight Limit for each model is dictated by the drop zone elevation, and the Limit decreases as DZ elevation increases. The Maximum Operating Weight Limits should Never be exceeded, under any circumstances.
3. How did you make the canopy stronger while still making it pack smaller?
In addition to eliminating all of the bridle attachment hardware and associated load tapes, we also eliminated the packing tabs and designed the canopy from the beginning as a reserve only. The construction of the lower surface is done in a spanwise direction, with double folded seams running across the line attachment points from wingtip to wingtip. The beauty of this load transfer technology is that the structural components of the design are integrated into the wing itself and transfer loads properly without the use of heavy and bulky tapes as an afterthought to the canopy construction.
4. Can I still get the Super Raven Reserve instead of the Raven Dash-M Series?
Yes. The Super Raven which has become the standard to which all other reserves are compared will remain on the market just as it has since it's first production in March 1988. Many people use the Super Raven canopy as a main parachute, and we expect some people will still want to choose the Super Raven as their reserve canopy, so it will continue to be offered just as it has for years.
5. Is the Raven Dash-M Series available in custom colors?
Our experience over the years indicates that most people don't really care about the color of their reserve canopy, as long as it is a different color than their main canopy. Our primary focus will be on prompt delivery, and as such we will be producing the canopies in only a few solid light colors. However, we will accept orders for the Dash-M Series in custom colors at no extra charge, but the delivery date of custom colored Dash-M Reserves will not be quoted.
6. Is Pro-Packing the Raven Dash-M Reserve legal?
In the deployment sequence, it is the responsibility of the container maker is to get the bag out of the container, through line stretch, and to get the canopy out of the deployment bag. From that point, it is the canopy makers responsibility to get the canopy inflated and properly flying after it is extracted form the bag. The folding of the canopy is a joint responsibility of both container and canopy makers because it may have a bearing on the configuration of a particular deployment bag, or the inflation process of the canopy.
We have no problem with the concept of a bilaterally symmetrical folding sequence popularly referred to as a propack, but without specific guidance from the container manufacturer as to whether or not the particular procedure is compatible with a specific container design, the rigger must make the determination of compatibility of the two separately approved components under the authority of his rigger's certificate.
7. What if I exceed the Maximum Operating Weight Limit which is placarded on the canopy?
The placarded Maximum Operating Weight Limits for each canopy are the tested and demonstrated maximum limits for that particular model. The limits are not to be exceeded under any circumstances.
8. What is the lead time required from the time of my order to delivery?
The production of the Raven Dash-M Series of canopies is running smoothly. We are currently running on a 2-4 week delivery schedule for non-custom color canopies. We hope to keep abreast of the demand so that customers and dealers can count on this schedule to continue throughout the year.
9. Which canopy will fit my container?
The pack volumes we publish for specific canopies in the Raven Dash-M Series are measured and absolute. Since we do not have any control over a container manufacturer's design changes or other model changes, you will need to contact the container manufacturer and report our pack volume number for the model canopy of your choice. Most container manufacturers are completely familiar with our canopies and can give you a quick answer to your question.
