The new Raven On-Landing Parachute Release (ROPR) from Fruity Chutes protects drone payloads from damage upon landing.

The lightweight, compact parachute is designed specifically for drones with the goal of mitigating potential damage caused by wind dragging the payload, according to a news release.

The ROPR features an internal hold timer to ensure the parachute isn’t released early, locking the device while the parachute is open and unstable. Once the drone is in steady descent for 4 to 6 seconds, the hold timer rotates to allow for release only after landing. As long as the main parachute is open and the ROPR remains under load, the parachute can’t release early.

The device can be used in any situation where having a parachute detach after landing is beneficial, including water drop payloads such as sonobuoys, where the payload needs to detach after splashdown, and airdrop cargo systems.

It also can minimize damage from multiple test flights where wind conditions could harm the drone.