While a normal RSL automatically pulls the reserve
ripcord pin following a breakaway, the new RWS Skyhook RSL goes two steps
further. It automatically releases the non-RSL riser in case the RSL riser
was released prematurely (ensuring your reserve will not deploy with half
your main still attached). The Skyhook then uses your departing
malfunctioned main canopy as a super pilot chute to deploy your reserve
canopy, taking about ½ second from breakaway to line stretch (reserve
canopy out of the bag). This is 3 to 4 times faster than a pilot chute can
do alone, and means that the average sport reserve can be open in 75 to 80
feet after breakaway. This puts the argument of which rig has the fastest
reserve deployment to bed forever. It has been asked if the Skyhook is
like the device used on the Sorcerer BASE rig. Although there are
similarities, the Sorcerer system is designed for an externally mounted
RESERVE hand deployed system and lacks the automatic release features of
the Skyhook making it unsuitable for use with internal spring-loaded pilot
chute rigs.
How the Skyhook handles malfunctions
Breakaway from a Partial Malfunction
During a breakaway from a partial malfunction, the Skyhook RSL
will pull your reserve pin and then lift your reserve canopy out of
the container, getting it to line stretch in about half a second.
Even though the Skyhook gets your reserve to line stretch faster
than ever before possible, it does not make it open any harder.
Main Horseshoe Malfunction
In the event of a main horseshoe malfunction, the broken away
main risers will start to deploy your reserve but wouldn't finish
the job because, let's say the main pilot chute is entangled with
you. When your main risers stop pulling, the reserve pilot chute
takes over and deploys your reserve. The Skyhook may help you even
in this situation, by assisting the reserve pilot chute out of the
burble before it lets it go, thus making entanglement with the still
attached main less likely.
Spinning Malfunction
If you have a spinning malfunction, the danger of going unstable
during reserve deployment and possibly entangling with your reserve
is greatly reduced. So if your plan is not to use an RSL, and "get
stable" again before pulling your reserve, the Skyhook system will
get you under reserve in 6-7 times less distance. This is due to the
400-500 feet you will fall trying to get stable before pulling your
reserve ripcord. Photos: Gus Wing
