Air TEc Expert CYPRES 2 User manual

User‘s Guide
CYPRES 2
Reliability made in Germany
Aircrew CYPRES 2

- Aircrew CYPRES 2 User’s Guide - page 1
Aircrew CYPRES 2
User’s Guide
- English version -
Congratulations on choosing CYPRES 2, without
doubt the safest and most accurate AAD ever
produced.
Like most airmen, you probably assume that you
will always have time to deploy your canopy
yourself and that situations requiring the use of an
automatic activation device will always happen
to others. We do hope you can avoid such trouble
and that your CYPRES 2 will never have to take
action to save your life. Nevertheless, situations
requiring the activation of CYPRES 2 can hap-
pen to any parachutist, no matter how careful and
experienced. Should CYPRES 2 ever decide to
initiate your reserve opening, you will know that
you have not left your safety to chance.
Airtec GmbH & Co. KG Safety Systems
Dieses Handbuch ist in Deutsch erhältlich.
Este manual está disponible en español.
CYPRES 2 User’s Guide
- english version -
CYPRES 2
Reliability made in Germany
This English user‘s guide is the original us-
er‘s guide. It will not be further processed. The ac-
tual version of the manual can be downloaded at
www.militarycypres.cc The latest revision is applicable
for all herein mentioned CYPRES 2 models only and
replaces and supercedes all previous applicable revi-
sions*. See www.militarycypres.cc to verify / obtain
the latest revision. Subject to change without notice.
Aircrew CYPRES 2 User Guide as revised 11/2021 Art.
No. 991013.
*If your CYPRES does not have the latest upgrades / updates
installed it is possible that your unit does not have all options
available, which are stated in the newest English user’s guide.

page 2 - Aircrew CYPRES 2 User’s Guide -
Contents
1. Function .........................................................4
1.1 How the Aircrew CYPRES 2 works .............4
1.2 Components ..................................................6
1.3 Power supply.................................................7
2. How to handle the Aircrew CYPRES 2 .......8
2.1 How to use it .................................................8
2.1.1 Selectable activation altitude ...................10
2.2 How to check the operativeness..................12
2.3 Access to unit information ..........................13
2.4 Water contact...............................................14
3. Installation .................................................15
4. Error display .............................................17
5. Changing the release unit(s) .....................18
6. Technical servicing/maintenance .............20
6.1 Maintenance reminder ...........................21
6.2 Timing of maintenance ...............................22
7. Important notes for users...........................23
8. Rigging/Parachute Issues ...........................24
9. Air travel ....................................................26
10. Technical Data ...........................................27
11. Warranty ..................................................28
12. Disclaimer ................................................29
13. Index...........................................................30
14. Packing List ...............................................31
Trademarks ..................................................31

- Aircrew CYPRES 2 User’s Guide - page 3
What an Aircrew CYPRES 2 is
The Aircrew CYPRES 2 is an Automatic Activation Device for the needs of the sta
of an aircraft.
It initiates the opening of the emergency parachute, if an airman has bailed out from
his aircraft, is below activation altitude (see chapter 2.1.1) and has a vertical speed
of more than 35 meters per second (that equivalents approx. 6.900 feet per minute).
The Aircrew CYPRES 2 does its job by severing the closing loop allowing the spring
loaded pilotchute to push away the aps of the container and to jump out into the
airstream and initiate the canopy opening.
CYPRES is truly the most reliable piece of skydiving equipment ever produced.
CYPRES is not able to open your parachute container. It is only intended to sever your reserve
closing loop.CYPRES is strictly a backup device and does not replace proper training or timely
execution of emergency procedures. It may display a wrong status, fail whenever and for
whatever reason and may cause injury or death. If you are not comfortable with these risks you
must not use CYPRES. You must make sure that the loop passes through the cutter’s passing
hole. If you loan, rent or sell your CYPRES to somebody it is your responsibility to inform him
about the above circumstances.

page 4 - Aircrew CYPRES 2 User’s Guide -
1. Function
1.1 How the Aircrew CYPRES 2 works
The processing unit contains a factory-pro-
grammed microprocessor that is capable of real-
time calculations of the airman‘s altitude and rate
of descent based on barometric pressure.
By monitoring this data, certain criteria are gener-
ated from which conclusions are drawn. Should
the conclusion be that the airman is lower than
activation altitude and in freefall, the processing
unit triggers the release unit to initiate the opening
of the reserve parachute container.
The release unit (cutter) system for the canopy
container is completely independent of the rig‘s
primary system. It does not pull the ripcord pin out
of the closing loop, but rather cuts the loop inside
the canopy container to release the pilot chute.
Opening a canopy container by severing the clos-
ing loop is a method invented and patented by the
founder of Airtec, Helmut Cloth, in 1987.
The CYPRES‘ canopy activation system has these
advantages:
• The canopy container can be opened in two dif-
ferent ways. One method is used by the airman
pulling the ripcord handle. The other method is
used by CYPRES when it cuts the closing loop.
• Mechanical components are reduced to a single
movable piston in the release unit.
• The activation system is located inside the
canopy container where it is not exposed to
excessive shock or other adverse inuences.
• The system is unobtrusive and can be installed
so that it is undetectable from the outside.

- Aircrew CYPRES 2 User’s Guide - page 5
The distance which the piston moves in case of an
activation is approx. 5 mm.
The release unit (cutter) is completely self-con-
tained and specically developed for CYPRES.
In the event of activation, nothing escapes or is
expelled.
During an 18 month long investigation by BAM
(Bundesanstalt für Materialprüfung), Berlin, 99
release units were tested. The result is that BAM
and the U.S. DOT have classied the CYPRES as
being non-hazardous.
Due to its high reliability and other properties, the
CYPRES release unit is currently being used in
aerospace applications (satellites).
Release unit (cutter) with elastic keeper
Functional diagram:
container
closing
loop
blade plastic guide
stainless
steel body

page 6 - Aircrew CYPRES 2 User’s Guide -
1.2 Components
The Aircrew CYPRES 2 consists of a control unit,
a processing unit with the attached release handle
cable housing and one release unit (cutter) for a
1-pin canopy container or two release units (cut-
ters) for a 2-pin canopy container.
release unit
(cutter)
processing unit
control unit
arming by static line
manual arming
by slider
Do not pull, lift, carry or throw CYPRES by the cables
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

- Aircrew CYPRES 2 User’s Guide - page 7
1.3 Power supply
No user attention should be needed for the power supply of CYPRES 2.
The unit should function from the date of manufacture (DOM) until the end of its service life.
If CYPRES 2 ceases to function or displays an error code during the self-test please contact
Airtec or SSK.
No CYPRES 2 user has
ever had to pay for a
battery since 2003, pro-
vided that the mainte-
nance intervals have
been adhered to.

page 8 - Aircrew CYPRES 2 User’s Guide -
level. These two parameters have to be fullled
to make the unit activate. After arming, the unit
stays on for 14 hours or until the cable is pushed
back in again.
When the arming cable is inserted, the unit is
off (disarmed). In this condition the Aircrew
CYPRES 2 will not interfere with all possible ight
scenarios or pressure chamber situations.
2. How to handle the Aircrew CYPRES 2
2.1 How to use it
The Aircrew CYPRES 2 is dedicated to assist an
airman in the emergency situation after a bail out
from his aircraft or an unintentional fall out of the
aircraft (working at open tailgate etc). The primary
action for the airman is to pull the ripcord handle of
the emergency parachute. If this should not be pos-
sible for whatever reason, the Aircrew CYPRES 2
can step in and help.
The operation method of the Aircrew CYPRES 2
is very safe and simple. It‘s only armed when the
arming cable is pulled out. In this condition it will
permanently monitor the situation and initiate the
canopy opening in case it detects a vertical speed
higher than 35m/s (6.900 ft/min) below the selected
activation altitude (see chapter 2.1.1) above sea
arming by static line
manual arming by slider
ON OFF
Always check the operativeness of the Aircrew
CYPRES2 prior to the rst action of the day:
Perform a self-test. Do it on the ground before
boarding.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

- Aircrew CYPRES 2 User’s Guide - page 9
2. static line (for pilots or airmen who are perma-
nently seated).
The emergency parachute is equipped with a static
line at the end of the arming cable. The static line
is connected by a shackle with the seat (or other
suitable spots). It has to be connected when the
pilot takes seat. The arming cable stays inserted
completely and the static line stays connected all
times during ight. In case of an emergency bail
out, the static line will automatically arm the Air-
crew CYPRES 2 by pulling out the arming cable.
The Aircrew CYPRES 2 can be operated in two
dierent ways:
1. manual arming by handle (airmen working in the
plane at the door or open tailgate etc).
The emergency parachute is equipped with a
manual handle at the end of the arming cable. When
the situation requires an arming of the Aircrew
CYPRES 2 (tailgate opening, upcoming work at
open door), this handle has to be pulled at least 5
centimeters out of the
cable housing. Now
the unit is armed. This
is indicated by a „0“
in the display. When
the work is finished
(no further protection
needed) the arming
cable has to be pushed
back into the housing
to switch the unit o
(display goes blank).
The unit is now dis-
armed again.

page 10 - Aircrew CYPRES 2 User’s Guide -
indicating 14.000 ft upper edge of
activation altitude during self-test
2.1.1 Selectable activation altitude
The Aircrew oers the option to select the upper
edge of the activation altitude between approxi-
mately 14.000 ft above MSL and approximately
2000 ft above MSL in steps of 1000 feet.
The unit will show the selected upper edge of the
activation altitude during the self-test between the
pressure and the .
(see user’s guide chapter 2.2 How to check the
operativeness).
Settings: Make sure all settings are correct before
use. Wrong settings can cause injury or death.
After changing settings as described in chapter 2.1.1 and
following, switch the unit ON and verify the settings within the
unit information sequence (see chapter 3)
Any adjustment is made exclusively at the user‘s own risk.
To change the activation altitude:
1. execute a self-test
2. switch the unit on. When appears
instantly press+hold the button
3. you will see a series of information (serial
number, etc), wait until you see the activa-
tion altitude setting (default )
4. state that you want to change the setting by
briey release and press+hold the button
5. CYPRES conrms by turning on the LED
for 1 sec
6. when LED is o
instantly release the button
7. then you see a sequence of the dierent
setting possibilities thru
(repeated) on the screen
click your new choice
8. unit switches itself o immediately
9. repeat step 2 to 7 identically without doing
anything else in between to conrm the new
setting.
To check your setting, perform a new self-test
(operativeness check) and verify your setting.

- Aircrew CYPRES 2 User’s Guide - page 11
Malfunction: A malfunction can easily injure or kill
you or others.
Every technical device can fail. So everything
imaginable can happen with the CYPRES, including,
but not limited to: displaying a status which is not true,
failing to function, or functioning at a wrong moment or
at a wrong occasion.
If you or your friends or family are not willing to accept
these uncertainties and risks, then you must not use
CYPRES.
An inappropriate activation altitude is likely to
injure or kill you or others.
Always use this unit set at the appropriate activation
altitude. Never, under any circumstances and for any
reason at an inappropriate activation altitude.
Making a decision: The decision to change the
activation altitude by how much is the user’s choice
and decision, and can be made in consultation with
the reserve & main canopy and harness/container
manufacturers.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Because of the variables involved, it is the user alone
who bears all responsibility and consequences of the
activation altitude setting. Airtec GmbH & Co. KG, the
manufacturer of the CYPRES device, does not take
any responsibilities thereof.

page 12 - Aircrew CYPRES 2 User’s Guide -
2.2 How to check the operativeness
Check the operativeness of the Aircrew CYPRES 2
prior to the rst action of the day. This is achieved
by a self-test, which has to be done on the ground
before boarding. The self-test is started by press-
ing the push button on the control unit four times
as described below in the illustration. After the
switch on procedure you will see a in
the display, followed by a countdown to .
Between and the unit will show
the actual ambient air pressure in hpa. The
is displayed for 2 seconds, conrming a positive
self-test. Operativeness is given. Then the unit
shuts down automatically.
Please take this opportunity to check the proper
position of the arming cable.
If the self-test should detect any irregularities, the
display would not show the but a four digit
error code like or etc. In this case,
the operativeness is not given. Please contact your
service point or Airtec directly.
Error codes are explained in chapter 4.
Malfunction can result in false
activation / no activation: Every
technical device can fail. So everything
imaginable can happen with the
CYPRES, including, but not limited to:
displaying a status which is not true,
failing to function, or functioning at a
wrong moment or at a wrong occasion.
Such inappropriate act can easy injure
or kill you or others. If you or your
friends or relatives are not willing to
accept these uncertainties and risks,
then you must not use CYPRES.
Unit on
Click... Self-test and
calibration
Switch on
Ambient air
pressure

- Aircrew CYPRES 2 User’s Guide - page 13
2.3 Access to unit information
The Aircrew CYPRES 2 provides an easy way
to view
1. the activation counter
2. the unit’s serial number
3. the next maintenance date*
4. and the rev. number:
When appears at the end of the switch-on
procedure press the button immediately and hold
it down.
Each value is displayed for 5 seconds, then the
next value will appear.
You can stop the information sequence at any time
by simply releasing the button.
* After the last maintenance has been performed,
the words ‘maint. no’ and the nal date of the unit’s
service life (end of life) are displayed.
This procedure is valid for units manufactured or
maintained from 12/2010.
1. display of the activation counter
2. display of the serial number
3. next possible maintenance in 08 / 2023
4. upper edge of activation altitude

page 14 - Aircrew CYPRES 2 User’s Guide -
2.4 Water contact
Because of it’s arming cable, the Aircrew
CYPRES 2 is not waterproof.
If an Aircrew CYPRES 2 is exposed to water,
please send it in for a free inspection.

- Aircrew CYPRES 2 User’s Guide - page 15
impede the CYPRES unit’s primary function,
which is to cut the reserve closing loop. It was also
important to ensure that the initiation of the reserve
opening (by cutting the reserve closing loop) did
not hinder the reserve deployment in any way.
All CYPRES 2 installations should be performed
and approved by the harness/container manufac-
turer in collaboration with the AAD manufacturer.
If you want to install a CYPRES 2 into a container
that has not been set up for CYPRES 2 you should
contact the harness/container manufacturer for
advice. CYPRES 2 can be integrated into rigs
with existing setups. If in doubt, please contact
the harness/container manufacturer.
3. Installation
When the CYPRES AAD was introduced it was
necessary to establish a testing and evaluation
procedure for the installation of this new AAD
into existing harness/
container systems, as
no such AAD concept
existed on the market.
The installation had
to be tested and ap-
proved. This test-
ing was exclusively
performed at Airtec
GmbH & Co. KG in
Germany until 2012.
Airtec GmbH & Co.
KG took on this task
in preference to the
harness/container manufacturers in order to es-
tablish the optimal installation for each system.
The variation in the resulting installation instruc-
tions was due to the dierent designs of the vari-
ous harness/container systems. It was vital not to
“Each parachute manufacturer
approves the installation of the AAD
on their equipment”
12/04/13 AC No: 105-2E Page 4 Part 2.b.
of the Advisory Circular of the U.S. Department of Transportation,
Federal Aviation Administration.
Retrot: Comply with the specic retrot instructions of
the harness/container manufacturer.

page 16 - Aircrew CYPRES 2 User’s Guide -
The processing unit must be placed into the pouch
in such a way that the cables lie at on the bottom
of the pouch. No tension must be placed on the
control unit cable and cutter cable(s).
Any excess cable is stowed in the at part of the
pocket underneath the velcro-adjustable ap. If
you are stowing both the thinner cutter cable and
the thicker control unit cable, be sure to place the
thicker cable so that it lies on top of the thinner
one. Cables should be placed in a circle in order
to avoid twists. Always avoid pulling, bending,
twisting, or kinking the cables.
CYPRES 2 can easily be removed by the owner. Do
not pull on the cables - instead, push the processing
unit, cutter and control unit from their keepers.
Right
Wrong
- Cables not at on
bottom
- Unit is inserted
upside down
- Thin cable on top
of thicker cable
- Cable is bent
Poor installation can impede the proper opening of
the container.
This may cause injury or death. Never install a
CYPRES 2 by trial and error.

- Aircrew CYPRES 2 User’s Guide - page 17
4. Error display
If an error condition is detected during the self-test
countdown, CYPRES 2 will show an error code
on the display.
or One or both of the attached re-
lease units are not correctly electrically connected
to the unit. This could be due to a cable break, the
cutter plug could be disconnected, or the release
unit(s) may have activated. Check/replace the
release unit(s).
Excessive variations in ambient air pres-
sure have been measured during the self-test
period. The unit is unable to obtain consistent
values for the ambient air pressure at ground
level. Possible reasons could be that the user has
attempted to switch CYPRES 2 on while driving
uphill or downhill in a car, or while in an elevator
or in an aircraft in ight.
The switch-on procedure can be repeated several
times after a error has appeared. If
appears, the unit’s self-test has been successful.
Codes 1-3 are displayed for approx. 2 seconds, then
the unit switches itself OFF (display goes blank).
will appear within the last month of the unit’s
service lifetime and the unit will continue to display
this through the future. It will appear for approx. 5
seconds before continuing to
low battery. Please contact Airtec or SSK
prior to next use.
After one of the following three error codes appears,
theunit switchesOFF andcannot beswitched onagain.
Please discontinue use and send the unit in for service.
Power down
Checksum error
Pressure sensor error
If other error codes appear, if the unit switches itself
o and cannot be switched on again, if the unit
does not switch o after 14 hours, if there is no red
light when the button is pressed, or if anything else
unusual occurs please record the error code and
contact Airtec or SSK before further use.
A malfunction can cause a false activation/failure
to activate: Any technical device can fail. Every fault
imaginable can happen with the CYPRES 2 including,
but not limited to: displaying a faulty status, failing to
function, or functioning at the wrong moment or in the
wrong circumstances. Such a failure could easily injure
or kill you or others. If you or your friends or relatives
are unwilling to accept these uncertainties and risks you
must not use CYPRES 2
.

page 18 - Aircrew CYPRES 2 User’s Guide -
5. Changing the release unit(s)
After an activation the release unit can be changed
by any rigger (packer) via the plug-and-socket
connection.
Disconnecting the release unit:
Hold the plug and socket by their aluminium grips
and pull them apart using a smooth straight motion.
Do not twist!
Connecting the release unit(s):
Hold the plug and socket by their aluminium
grips. Place the plug directly in front of the socket
and connect them by pushing them together with
a smooth straight motion until the plug is fully
seated. Do not twist!
It is easy to change a 1-pin CYPRES 2 to a 2-pin
CYPRES 2 or vice versa by swapping cutter types.
1-pin cutter 2-pin cutter

- Aircrew CYPRES 2 User’s Guide - page 19
Notes:
1. Release units (cutters) have a serial number
on heat shrink tubing attached to the cable.
This number identies the cutter. A table of
cutter numbers with their corresponding dates
of manufacture is available at www.cypres.cc.
2. It is possible that the cutter plug may separate
from the socket after a CYPRES 2 activation.
In the unlikely event of this occurring in
combination with a water landing, the socket
must be dried out before further use. To do
this, tap the open end of the socket onto a at
surface such as a table top. Keep tapping the
socket until no more water comes out, then
store the CYPRES 2 with the open end of the
socket facing down for another 24 hours in a
dry area to allow the socket to fully dry out.
When completely dry, insert the plug of the
new cutter. Never insert an object (such as a
Q-tip) to dry out the plug.
3. Use a one-pin cutter in a one-pin container
and a two-pin cutter in a two-pin container.
Do not use release units (cutters) after the end of the
cutter service life (16.5 years after DOM) Used release
units (cutters) that are/were attached to a CYPRES unit
are also subject to technical servicing/maintenance.
See Section 12.1. New release units (cutters) that have
never been attached to a CYPRES unit and were in
storage (according to the manufacturer’s instructions)
do NOT need to be sent in for maintenance within the
service time frame.