Collins Aerospace has developed a new oxygen supply system for use in high-altitude jumps by military parachutists called Oxyjump NG, the company announced on 9 May 2023.
“The Oxyjump NG system’s breakthrough technology enhances mission capabilities with a longer gliding distance, improves jumper safety, is easy to use and contains significant size and weight advantages over legacy systems,” the company stated in a press release, noting that existing oxygen supply systems are limited in extended high-altitude operations, which restricts the effectiveness and reach of parachute missions.
“Utilizing Collins’ oxygen pulse technology – already certified by one NATO country – the Oxyjump NG system provides customers with a smaller, lighter- weight solution which automatically adjusts oxygen levels to enable longer mission profiles,” the company said.
“The Oxyjump NG system gives allied armed forces the stealth, readiness and safety necessary to complete the most complex jumps on earth,” Brad Haselhorst, vice president and general manager of Military, Safety and Cargo Systems at Collins Aerospace, was quoted as saying. “The Oxyjump NG system not only keeps up with the evolving nature of combat jumps, but it’s ready for use today.”
Designed for comfort and ease of use, the Oxyjump NG system operates automatically and includes an ergonomically designed mask to comfortably and securely fit against the face, allowing users to remain focused on their most critical tasks.
According to a company datasheet, Oxyjump NG is a fully automatic, standalone system that can be used at altitudes up to 10,000 m (33,000 ft). The two-cylinder system – featuring 200 bar (3,000 psi) technology for a longer oxygen supply in a compact form factor – supplies oxygen for ascent and descent, automatically switching when the pressure of the ascent cylinder drops below 4 bar (60 psi). Oxyjump NG’s demand breathing regulator constantly adjusts the proper mix of oxygen to the altitude from mean sea level up to 10,000 m, conserving oxygen and optimising system and mission performance.
Collins Aerospace is a business of Raytheon Technologies.
Peter Felstead
