Most all jumpers have heard of the CYPRES (CYbernatic Parachute RElease System) – an automatic activation device for your reserve.  The makers of the CYPRES travel all the way from Bad Wunnenberg in Germany to introduce their product to Expo visitors.  Since this unit is normally buried deep in your reserve container, this is your chance to get to hold one, watch the cutter fire and learn about the different settings and models offered.  You can’t miss their booth – a bunch of guys proudly sporting fuchsia colored shirts don’t go unnoticed.

A little bit about the history of the company, compliments of representative Rob Kendall:
“The 1st Original CYPRES unit was sold in January 1st 1991, so for or more than 20 years Airtec have been making the most reliable AAD on the market! 
The idea of the the 1st electronically based AAD stemmed from a tragic accident. The best friend of Helmut Cloth (owner and inventor of the CYPRES AAD) died after impacting with the ground because for reasons that will never be known he was not able to deploy either his main or reserve. Helmut Cloth devoted his time and more funds than he had to try and build a device that would prevent others from feeling the same loss he did. After 6 years of designing and building a device that had not previously existed The CYPRES was born!
As well as providing the Civilian Skydiving world with the Student, Tandem, Expert and Speed AAD we also provide AAD solutions for Military personnel, a unique unit for pilots and Smoke Jumpers (Firefighters) and Military AATV units. All in all we have a palette of more than 17 different AAD products that are used globally.”

When asked what CYPRES crew hoped to impart to visiting skydivers at the Expo, Rob answered with this:  “INFORMATION, The guys at the CYPRES stand have made their way directly from CYPRES HQ with one main objective: to answer as many questions as possible. The CYPRES AAD is a complex device designed to be used with simplicity in mind but skydivers are inquisitive and we are on site and more than happy to answer any question you may have. Come on and give us a try!”

At their booth, CYPRES plans on demonstrating cutters in action and they hope that you will visit their booth hungry for information about the unit. Michael “Albi” Alberts is their new “kid” on tour, accompanying veteran Rob Kendall.

And lastly, a copule of cool notes about the CYPRES:

• CYPRES has produced more than 148,000 CYPRES units to date
• Close to 100 million Jumps made with CYPRES units
• Around 3000 Lives saved
• CYPRES has never failed to activate and cut the loop when the conditions were met

To learn more, visit their website or Facebook page.