Learn how to Pack and Load the Harrier Drone Parachute Launcher
This guide will help you pack and prepare the Harrier Drone Parachute Launcher. We also have a video tutorial showing this process. Before starting, make sure you have done the initial folding of the Iris parachute. Refer to How to Fold a Parachute. Follow this guide up to the beginning of Step 4, stopping after "fold the parachute canopy into thirds to create a long rectangle shape."
You can purchase the Harrier Launcher here!
IMPORTANT for 50 mm and 56 mm Harrier Launchers: The Pictorial below is specific to the Harrier 40 mm launcher. All the Harrier launchers use Steps 2 — 4 for arming the launcher; however, after this, packing the chute into the launcher is done like the Skycat launcher. See the pictorial Pack and load the Skycat Drone Parachute Launcher for steps 12 - 44 of this guide to complete the packing.
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Step 1This is the IFC-30-SUL parachute we will pack and the Harrier components. Before you start pre-fold the parachute so the canopy is properly organized. See How to pack an Iris Parachute. Follow the steps up to Step 22. https://fruitychutes.com/help_for_parachutes/how_to_fold_a_iris_parachute.htm
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Step 2First make sure the servo arm is in the catch position for the piston. Rotate the servo arm to the position shown above.
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Step 3Push down the piston until it locks in place.
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Step 4You will hear a "click" once the piston is set. If it won't set, check that the servo arm is properly positioned so the catch plate is all the way toward the center mount.
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Step 5Use a ruler or calipers to measure the packing depth of the canister. We will fold and prepare the parachute to fit into this length.
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Step 6Here you can see the packing length available next to the parachute.
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Step 7Divide the chute into sections across the length of the parachute equal to the packing length. The parachute canopy will be Z-folded to this length.
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Step 8For this chute you need 3 1/2 folds to fit into this length.
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Step 9This shows the properly folded chute canopy.
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Step 10Next Z-Fold the shroud lines so the folds match the canopy length.
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Step 11With the lines z-folded in the center roll the z-folded canopy around the lines.
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Step 12Roll the canopy tight.
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Step 13Continued...
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Sterp 14This shows the folded canopy. The diameter should be just a bit smaller than the canister's inner diameter.
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Step 15Place into the canister.
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Step 16Push down the parachute so it is below the lip of the canister. The canister length is cut so you should have about 1/4" to 1/2" of clearance.
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Step 17Now Z-Fold the shock cord.
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Step 18Continued...
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Step 19Now fold over the z-folded shock cord and place on top of the parachute. Again push into the canister to pack everything.
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Step 20Thread the shock cord through the cap and place the cap on top of the canister.
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Step 21Done with the launch tube! But, the Harrier is not quite ready for flight!
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Step 22If you have the Harrier Integrated Flight Mount place the launcher into the cradle. Be sure the back of the Harrier is locked against the back of the cradle.
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Step 23Use the Velcro cable tie to secure the canister into the cradle.
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Step 24We like to secure part of the servo wire under the strap since it can be pretty long.
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Step 25Continued...
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Step 26Plug the servo onto the Mayday servo output.
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Step 27Plug power into the Mayday. Be sure to review the Mayday users guide to calibrate the Mayday failsafe and to setup the servo positions.
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Step 28Press and hold the Red "A" button to arm the Mayday.
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Step 29The status light will turn to a bright solid "Red".
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Step 30Press and hold the Black "B" button to disarm.
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Step 31A solid Blue light shows the Mayday is in idle. That is it!