Upgrading XTC-500 Canopies to H-X 500 Configuration
Background
There are three variations of the HX-500 canopy that are the same size, shape and construction as the XTC-500; however, P/N 3106 and 3107 have 24 gores instead of 20 as on P/N 3103. P/N 3106 utilizes "looped-on" Spectra™ suspension lines but P/N 3107 has sewn-on nylon lines. Further P/N 3107 (without the BAT Sombrero Slider™ ); is the same as the XTC-500 canopy (P/N 120) previously approved (1991) under C23c, Category B at lower operating limits. All three H-X500 versions are rated for 400 lb. at 170KEAS based on maximum demonstrated structural test conditions (to date) of 500 lb. at 205 KEAS.
If you elect to upgrade, your warranty date for the original canopy will remain in force; a separate 5-year warranty will be in effect for the modifications as of the date of modification. New canopies will, of course, have a 5-year warranty.
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Upgrade Options
Upgrade Option 1. XTC-500 (P/N 120) canopies with dates-of-manufacture prior to 8/97 (approx.) have sewn on nylon lines and may be converted to a P/N 3107 (XTC-500(SS)) with the addition of: (a) the BAT Sombrero Slider™ ; (b) a single panel frangible apex vent cap; (c) a slider stop ring on each suspension line; (d) a slightly larger deployment diaper; and (e) an incremental pilot chute bridle in accordance with our modification instructions. These canopies will be marked with the new part number, operating limitations and the date of the modification; the original data markings will be left intact. This modification adds about 2.0 lb. (10.8-lb total). Because it adds bulk, the extra weight may become a concern for some installations. Note that if your container configuration ends up with a bulk distribution problem you may need to convert to a deployment sleeve rather than the diaper (the sleeve adds $150 to the cost of the upgrade).
The cost of Upgrade Option 1 is $550.
Upgrade Option 1a. P/N 120 canopies with sewn-on lines can have the lines removed, radial tapes modified (lower 30" removed and replaced) to the loop-on configuration, lines replaced with 725 Spectra, etc. This results in a configuration that is the same as Upgrade Option 2 and the canopy will become a P/N 3106 (HX-500/24); however there is significantly more labor involved. This modification adds about 0.4 lbs. to the canopy (9.2-lb total). Because it adds bulk to the skirt area, the extra weight may become a concern for some installations. Note that if your container configuration ends up with a bulk distribution problem you may need to convert to a deployment sleeve rather than the diaper (the sleeve adds $150 to the cost of the upgrade).
The cost of Upgrade Option 1a is $750.
Upgrade Option 2. In August 1997, BPS changed the suspension line attachment method for P/N 120 to our "loop-on" method, which was developed in conjunction with several larger non-personnel canopy applications. Therefore, P/N 120 canopies with dates-of-manufacture after 8/97 may be converted to a P/N 3106 (HX-500/24) with the following changes and/or additions: (a) the BAT Sombrero Slider™ ; (b) a single panel frangible apex vent cap; (c) a change to Spectra™ suspension lines (looped on) with a slider stop ring on each line; (d) a slightly larger deployment diaper; and (e) an incremental pilot chute bridle in accordance with our modification instructions. These canopies will be marked with the new part number, operating limitations and the date of the modification; the original data markings will be left intact. This modification adds about 0.2 lb. (9.0-lb total). Because it adds bulk to the skirt area, the extra weight may become a concern for some installations. Note that if your container configuration ends up with a bulk distribution problem you may need to convert to a deployment sleeve rather than the diaper (the sleeve adds $150 to the cost of the upgrade).
The cost of Upgrade Option 2 is $550.
Trade-In Option. For some customers, trading in their existing canopy might be preferable to upgrading. The retail price of the HX-500 canopy is $1600. In general, the trade-in value of your XTC-500 canopy will be $750 less $50 per year. The age of the canopy will be calculated based on month and year, so your calculation might actually be for some sort of fractional age. For example: $750–[(8/98–4/94=4.33 yr.) x $50] = $533.50 trade-in value. All canopies are subject to inspection for valuation. Because of cash flow, we must reserve the right to limit the number of trade-in canopies on hand at any one time and may need to refuse trade-ins from time-to-time.New Canopy Price List. You may elect to apply your trade-in value against any of our current production parachutes as listed below. The retail price list for the HX Series Canopies equipped with a deployment diaper is below. If you need to use a deployment sleeve for bulk distribution reasons, you will need to add $150.
| Canopy Model | Maximum Gross Weight |
Maximum Pack Open Speed |
Retail Price |
XTC-500 |
254 lb |
150 KIAS |
$1000 |
HX-300 |
250 lb. |
150 KEAS |
$1300 |
HX-400 |
333 lb. |
170 KEAS |
$1500 |
HX-500 |
416 lb. |
170 KEAS |
$1700 |
| HX-500/24 | 416 lb. | 170 KEAS | $2000 |
HX-600 |
500 lb. |
170 KEAS |
$2000 |
Scheduling. All modification and trade-in work will need to be coordinated in advance with Butler Parachute Systems, Inc. While we will do our best to accommodate everyone's wishes there will probably be times that we just can't manage what you want. Please contact us at your earliest convenience to arrange a mutually convenient time for your work.