Sun Path Products, manufacturer of the Javelin Odyssey, has made further improvements to their rig. The SLS modification adds comfort, control and confidence, and the Split Collins Lanyard aims to improve safety.
Stabilized Laterals
Sun Path was the first company to introduce indented side laterals to a harness/container system, that joined the harness to the container inside the outer edge of the container, for added snugness. Now their designers have gone a stage further, with the introduction of the Stabilized Lateral System (SLS).
With SLS, a complete independent lateral pad is added, with the aim of holding the rig tightly to the owner’s back, regardless of body position. The SLS system was first added to the Odysseys of various Sun Path sponsored athletes, and is reported to be very comfortable, especially under canopy. The SLS option is available on all new Javelin Odysseys at no extra charge.
“I love this rig. It simply does not move regardless of my body position and it’s even more comfortable under canopy!”
Bill Schmitz, cameraflyer, Arizona Airspeed
Split Collins Lanyard
Another improvement made by Sun Path Products is to amend the configuration of the Collins Lanyard, which is used with the Skyhook MARD (Main Activated Reserve Deployment) system made by UPT and fitted under licence by Sun Path Products. The Collins Lanyard is an extra safety device, a line designed to release the left side riser in the event of a right side riser release. Because the RSL or Skyhook is connected to the right riser, its release will initiate the reserve deployment, so the Collins Lanyard is to prevent a possible main/reserve entanglement by also releasing the left attachment point to jettison the main canopy.
Originally the Javelin Odyssey had one all-purpose lanyard that shared the 3 functions of RSL, Skyhook and Collins Lanyard. Sun Path has recently modified this to a ‘Split Collins Lanyard’, so there is a separate Collins Lanyard that attaches at a slightly lower position. The company concluded, having examined various possible and actual scenarios, that this improvement will minimise the likelihood of an accidental left-side cutaway during certain malfunctions.
The Split Lanyard will be fitted as standard to all new Javelin Odysseys with Skyhook set-ups from now on. It is available free of charge to all Skyhook-equipped Javelins in the field. An Online Order Form has been set up for Javelin owners to order the modification, which can easily be installed by a certified rigger in a few minutes. Contact Sun Path Products or local dealers for more information.
