CYPRES is the most commonly used major component in the parachuting world. More than 80,000 units are in actual use and save the lives of more than 80 skydivers each year.

The CYPRES 2 is available in several different models. Each was designed to meet the needs of specific users (students, expert skydivers and tandem jumpers). Each model can indicate altitude in either feet or meters.

The Expert CYPRES can be recognized by the red button on the control unit.
It activates the release unit when it detects a rate of descent higher than 78 mph (35 m/sec) at an altitude of approx. 750 feet (approx. 225 meters) above ground level (AGL). In the event of a cutaway below this height CYPRES will operate down to approx. 130 feet AGL, however activation will not occur unless sufficient speed is obtained. Below approx. 130 feet (approx. 40 meters) AGL opening is no longer useful. For this reason, CYPRES ceases operation below approximately 130 feet AGL.

The Student CYPRES can be recognized by the yellow button with the imprint "Student" on the control unit.
It will activate the release unit when the rate of descent exceeds 29 mph (13 meters per second). The activation altitude is split. In the case of rate of descent being equal to that of freefall, the opening altitude is at approx. 750 feet (the same as with Expert CYPRES). However, should the rate of descent be lower than that of freefall but still above the limit of 29 mph (e.g. with partially opened canopy, or after a cutaway), then Student CYPRES activates the release unit when the altitude falls below approx. 1000 feet (approx. 300 meters) above ground level. The student will then have more time to prepare for landing. Like the Expert CYPRES, the Student CYPRES ceases operation below approx. 130 feet AGL.
Unlike the Expert and Tandem CYPRES models, we recommend that the Student CYPRES be switched off in the aircraft prior to descent if the jump is aborted and the student will land with the plane, because the vertical speed of a descending jump plane will exceed the activation speed of Student CYPRES.

Be aware that it is possible to exceed a vertical speed of 29 mph (13 meters per second) under a fully inflated canopy!

If a jump plane is descending with students still on board, switch the Student CYPRES off before reaching 1500 ft (450 meters) above ground.
If this is not possible, the descent rate of the plane must not exceed 1500 ft/min below 1500 feet above ground. Close open doors.

The Tandem CYPRES can be recognized by the blue button with the imprint "Tandem" on the control unit.
It activates the release unit when it detects a rate of descent higher than 78 mph (35 m/sec) at an altitude of approx. 1900 (approx. 570 meters) feet AGL.
Like the Expert CYPRES, the Tandem CYPRES ceases operation below approx. 130 feet (approx. 40 meters) AGL. In the event of a cutaway, activation will not occur until sufficient speed is obtained.

Each model is available in either one-pin or two-pin depending on the type of container you wish to fit it in. We also offer a £35 trade-in discount if your old Cypres 1 unit has expired.