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.

Step 1

This 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 2

First make sure the servo arm is in the catch position for the piston. Rotate the servo arm to the position shown above.
Step 3

Push down the piston until it locks in place.
Step 4

You 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.
Step 5

Use a ruler or calipers to measure the packing depth of the canister. We will fold and prepare the parachute to fit into this length.
Step 6

Here you can see the packing length available next to the parachute.
Step 7

Divide 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.
Step 8

For this chute you need 3 1/2 folds to fit into this length.
Step 9

This shows the properly folded chute canopy.
Step 10

Next Z-Fold the shroud lines so the folds match the canopy length.
Step 11

With the lines z-folded in the center roll the z-folded canopy around the lines.
Step 12

Roll the canopy tight.
Step 13

Continued...
Sterp 14

This shows the folded canopy. The diameter should be just a bit smaller than the canister's inner diameter.
Step 15

Place into the canister.
Step 16

Push 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.
Step 17

Now Z-Fold the shock cord.
Step 18

Continued...
Step 19

Now fold over the z-folded shock cord and place on top of the parachute. Again push into the canister to pack everything.
Step 20

Thread the shock cord through the cap and place the cap on top of the canister.
Step 21

Done with the launch tube! But, the Harrier is not quite ready for flight!
Step 22

If 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.
Step 23

Use the Velcro cable tie to secure the canister into the cradle.
Step 24

We like to secure part of the servo wire under the strap since it can be pretty long.
Step 25

Continued...
Step 26

Plug the servo onto the Mayday servo output.
Step 27

Plug power into the Mayday. Be sure to review the Mayday users guide to calibrate the Mayday failsafe and to setup the servo positions.
Step 28

Press and hold the Red "A" button to arm the Mayday.
Step 29

The status light will turn to a bright solid "Red".
Step 30

Press and hold the Black "B" button to disarm.
Step 31

A solid Blue light shows the Mayday is in idle. That is it!