Low Cost Low Velocity (LCLV) Cargo Parachute
Niche Inc manufactures Low Cost Low Velocity (LCLV) cargo parachutes for single-use military resupply and humanitarian airdrops. Part of the U.S. Army's Low Cost Aerial Delivery System (LCADS), the LCLV is a pre-packed, one-time-use alternative to the G-12E for 500–2,200 lb low-velocity CDS loads. The Army reports that LCADS saves approximately 50% compared with conventional Container Delivery Systems.
Low Velocity Parachute Specifications
- <28 FPS Descent Rate
- Payload Weight Requirements: 500–2,200 lbs (225–1,000 kg)
- Low to Medium Altitude CDS (1,000 feet AGL - 13,000 feet MSL)
- Combat Resupply
- Humanitarian Airdrop
- Aircraft C-17 & C-130
- Low-Velocity Container Delivery System (CDS)
- Pre-Packed / Single-Use / Expendable
- Compatible Container : Low Cost Container (LCC) / Standard A-22
- NSN: 1670-01-547-0401, (1670015470401)
- Part Number: 11-1-7606-1, (11176061)
In Stock & Ready to Ship
We have Low Velocity Parachutes ready to ship for rapid delivery.
Low Velocity Parachute vs. G-12E
U.S. Army TM 4-48.03 identifies the LCADS Low Velocity Cargo Parachute as an alternate to the G12-E cargo parachute. The manual states that the LCLV is supplied pre-packed by the manufacturer and is a one-time-use item.
U.S. Army reporting also describes the operational difference between the two systems. The Army states that the G-12 cargo parachute has to be recovered and turned back in to the Army supply system, while the LCLV arrives pre-packed and is installed on the CDS load by military riggers.
Article: US Army New Delivery System
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Low Velocity Parachute | G-12E | |
|---|---|---|
| The same | ||
| Airdrop type | Low velocity CDS | Low velocity CDS |
| Suspended weight range | 500–2,200 lb (approx. 225–1,000 kg) | 500–2,200 lb (approx. 225–1,000 kg) |
| Containers | Low Cost Container or A-22 | Low Cost Container or A-22 |
| The difference | ||
| Intended use | One-time use | Reusable |
| Packing | Arrives packed by the manufacturer | Inspected and repacked by riggers before every drop |
| After the drop | Expendable, no recovery required | Recovered from the drop zone and returned to base |
| Drop zone exposure | Troops collect the supplies and move out | Troops stay on the drop zone to recover the parachutes |
| Recovery cost | N/A | Approx. 165 lb of parachute and A-22 container to haul back per load |
| Purchase cost | Lower purchase cost(Army reports LCADS saves approx. 50%) | Higher purchase cost |
