ITEM: Vigil II Automatic Activation Device (AAD), testing and approval for use in the Dual Hawk Tandem System.
STATUS: Limited approval of use in Dual Hawk Tandem System of Vigil II Units manufactured after 10/2007.
IDENTIFICATION: Vigil II Unit: S/N5051/74 (#9649). Date of Manufacture: 10/2007. Cutters, Type 3: 9582600-74 11-07-4 L421, 9582006-17 11-07-4 L421, 9582006-47 11-07-4 M147.
BACKGROUND: Strong Enterprises was asked to provide approval for the Vigil II AAD for use in the Dual Hawk Tandem System. It has always been Strong Enterprises' policy to test products and components a in real environment before approving any item for general tandem use with the Dual Hawk Tandem System.
In 2007 and 2008 Strong Enterprises completed four drop-sessions with the Vigil II in which approximately eight drops were performed. Each drop was performed with the Vigil II on Tandem mode.
NOTE: Tandem mode is required for all tandem jumps.
The last session, April 15 thru 17, 2008 involved three drops:
#1. No drogue, 500 lbs (226 Kg), altitude 7,246 Ft. (2258 m) AGL. Speed 163 mph (262 Km/hr). Reserve activation achieved.
#2. No drogue, 500 lbs (226 Kg), altitude 7,246 Ft. (2258 m) AGL, Speed 147 mph (236.5 Km/hr), altitude 7,246 Ft. (2258 m). Reserve activation achieved.
#3. No drogue, 500 lbs (226 Kg), altitude 3,000 Ft. (914 m) AGL. Speed 91 mph (146.5 Km/hr). Reserve activation achieved.
SERVICE BULLITEN: This service bulletin authorizes use of the Vigil II DoM 10/2007 or later and Dual Cutters DoM 11/2007 or later, when installed in accordance with the Dual Hawk Tandem Manual installation guidelines, P/N510045, Sec. 5.1 and Vigil II Instruction Manual. As previously noted, the Vigil II AAD is only approved for the Dual Hawk Tandem System when used in Tandem Mode.
Limitation: As with any add-on component, Strong Enterprises assumes no liability nor makes any guarantees that the equipment will function as intended if installed correctly.
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL: Senior or Master parachute rigger or foreign equivalent.
APPROVAL DATE: September 5, 2008
DISTRIBUTION: Manufacturer, FAA, USPA, Foreign Parachute Organizations, Dual Hawk owners on record, Parachutist, Skydiving Magazine, www.strongparachutes.com.
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