SINCE 1974

Trusted textile solutions
that bring mission home

Parachute icon

More than 50 years of aviation manufacturing and gliding-canopy experience behind lightweight recovery textile solutions.

ISR glider parachute icon

The ISR family combines a high glide ratio of up to 4.5:1 in a compact low bulk low weight package.

UAV icon

UAV recovery experience spanning platforms from under 1 kg to more than 1,000 kg.

Shield icon

Trusted to deliver mission-critical recovery and protection solutions in the world’s most demanding conditions.

Explore our recovery & protection solutions

Find your solution

Recovery & Retrieval

Safe return of UAVs, payloads and critical assets in any operational environment.

Deceleration & Precision Airdrop Systems

Controlled deceleration and accurate delivery for mission-critical payloads.

Ballistic & Textile

Textile solutions for containment, protection and mitigation in high-risk scenarios.

Custom Textile Applications

Tailored textile solutions engineered to meet unique mission requirements.

Trust & Compliance

Trusted in Mission-Critical Environments

APCO Aviation Defense works within the standards, certifications, and regulatory frameworks that support defense and aerospace programs.

ISO & AS Certifications

ITAR

EAR

DFARS

NIST

Berry Amendment

Buy American Act

Wassenaar Arrangement

Supplier Partnerships

Offset Program Support

Define your project

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* For high G loads a slider or reefing mechanism may be required

FAQ

Frequently
Asked
Questions

Find quick answers about our solutions, capabilities, and how we work.

What types of UAV parachute recovery systems does Apco Defense provides?

Apco delivers end-to-end UAV recovery solutions — from precision steerable ram-air parachutes to square, cruciform, and round canopies. We also offer inflatable airbags for sensitive or high-value UAVs. Every system is engineered to match your platform’s mission profile, ensuring safe landings, reduced damage, and maximum payload protection.

Can Apco parachutes be customized for specific defense or aerospace missions?

Absolutely. Our team specializes in mission-driven engineering. Whether you need a system for high-speed missile recovery, low-altitude VTOL air taxi safety, or large-scale military cargo drops, we build to your exact requirements. The result is a reliable, tailored solution that integrates seamlessly with your platform.

How does Apco ensure the safety and reliability of its parachutes?

Safety is our top priority. Every parachute is produced in our ISO 9001 / MIL-SPEC certified facility, with strict in-house testing and independent validation. Our systems are not just lab-tested — they’re field-proven worldwide, including in combat zones and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance) operations.

What is the weight range of Apco emergency parachutes?

Our product line covers everything from 1 kg mini-drones to 1,000+ kg UAVs and cargo payloads. This wide spectrum makes Apco a trusted choice for clients who require scalable solutions — from lightweight tactical gear to heavy-duty military recovery systems.

Does Apco Defense offer ballistic parachute deployment for VTOLs and air taxis?

Yes. We provide ballistic deployment systems designed for ultra-fast, low-altitude emergencies, making them ideal for next-generation VTOL and air taxi platforms. These solutions deliver life-saving response times while meeting the highest safety standards for human-rated certification.