An Analysis of the U.S. Army's T-11 Advanced Tactical Parachute System and Potential Path Forward

Abstract

Since the fielding of the T-11 Advanced Tactical Parachute System (ATPS) in 2009, nine paratroopers have died utilizing this parachute and its reserve, causing several senior military officials to question the design, safety, and effectiveness of the new parachute system. Several tests and studies were commissioned in response, subsequently concluding that the T-11 parachute has a reduced number of paratrooper jump-related injuries compared to the legacy T-10 parachute. Despite these findings, leaders within the Army Airborne community have requested continued assessments, modifications, and even a new parachute. The T-11 ATPS has been fully fielded, reaching full operational capability (FOC) in 2014. Using a case study approach, this report reviews the user community's request to assess, modify, or develop a new parachute against potential acquisition approaches. To inform the recommendation, data is collected from stakeholders, and the advantages and disadvantages of acquisition approaches are compared and analyzed. This report concluded that one acquisition approach cannot address all of the issues and concerns identified by the airborne community and recommended that a combination of approaches be used for the T-11 ATPS program path forward.