New Russian Chute Flies High
Russia's next generation smokejumper parachute system successfully field-tested in April in the Altai mountain range of Siberia. Smokejumpers with the Russian Aerial Fire Protection Service made about 100 jumps over rough terrain and in unfavorable weather with the Lesnik-3 (Forester-3 in English) parachute system.
The new design has greater maneuverability and landing accuracy. Smokejumpers made test jumps onto forest stands and on Beluha mountain, the range's tallest peak (elevation 4,506 meters, about 15,000 feet). The Lesnik-3's design allows accurate landing in small forest openings, cliffs or other convenient spots. Both main and emergency canopies are packed in the chest container. The parachute is expected to become the standard parachute of Russian smokejumpers. For more information, download “Russian Smokejumper Parachute Evaluation” at www.fire.blm.gov/Intntl/trip_reports/Russiansmkj.pdf.
— Serghey Stelmakhovich
Regional News Editor, Russia
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