Air TEc Expert CYPRES 2 User manual

CYPRES 2
Reliability made in Germany
User Guide
Military CYPRES 2

- Military CYPRES 2 User Guide - Page 1
Congratulations on choosing CYPRES 2, without
doubt the safest and most accurate AAD ever
produced.
Like most parachutists, you probably assume that
you will always have time to deploy your reserve
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, situ-
ations requiring the activation of CYPRES 2 can
happen 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
CYPRES 2
Reliability made in Germany
CYPRES 2
Military User Guide
- English -
This User Guide is the original version of this
document. The latest version can be downloaded at
www.militarycypres.cc. This revision applies only to
the CYPRES 2 models mentioned here and replaces
and supersedes all previous applicable revisions*.
Please see www.militarycypres.cc to check/download
the latest revision. Subject to change without notice.
Military CYPRES 2 User Guide
C2ME-30 as revised
04/2021 Art. No. 991105.
* If your CYPRES does not have the latest upgrades/updates
installed, it may not offer all of the options that are included in
the latest User Guide.

Page 2 - Military CYPRES 2 User Guide -
Contents
1. Function ................................................... 3
1.1 Design philosophy .................................. 3
1.2 Components ............................................ 5
1.2.1 How CYPRES 2 works ........................ 6
1.3 Training / Operational unit....................... 8
1.4 Power supply ........................................ 10
1.5 Operational safety ................................. 10
2. Product overview ....................................11
1000/35 A .................................................... 12
1500/35 A .............................................12
1900/35 A .............................................13
2500/29 A .............................................14
2500/35 A .............................................14
Changeable MODE Mil CYPRES 2 .........15
3. Installation ............................................ 17
4. How to operate CYPRES 2 .................. 19
4.1 Handling the control unit ...................19
4.2 Switching CYPRES 2 on ...................20
4.3 Using CYPRES in Training Mode ..........21
4.4 Operational Mode target DZ setting .... 22
4.4.0 Below DZ .....................................23
4.4.1 Circular calculator ............................. 24
4.4.2 Military CYPRES 2 Calculator ..........24
4.4.3 Military CYPRES Calculator (software
version) .............................................26
4.5 Access to unit information .................27
4.6 CYPRES 2 and water jumps ..............28
4.7 Changing the lter ............................29
5. Error display ........................................ 30
6. Changing the release unit(s) ................ 31
7. Technical servicing/maintenance ........ 33
7.1 Maintenance reminder .......................34
7.2 Timing of maintenance .......................... 35
8. Important notes .................................... 36
8.1 Important notes for jump pilots ............ 36
8.2 Important notes for users ...................38
9. Repacking of reserves .......................... 39
9.1 The CYPRES loop and disk system ....41
10. Switching rigs ..................................... 43
11. Air travel ............................................. 44
12. Technical data ..................................... 45
12.1 Versions .........................................46
13. Warranty ............................................. 47
14. Disclaimer ........................................... 48
15. Index...................................................... 49
16. Packing list .......................................... 51
Trademarks ............................................... 51

- Military CYPRES 2 User Guide - Page 3
1. Function
1.1 Design philosophy
CYPRES 2 (which stands for “CYbernetic Para-
chute RElease System”) is an automatic activa-
tion device that meets all of the needs of today’s
parachutists.
The device is simple to operate: Switch it on in
Training Mode when your DZ and aireld are at
the same location and height, and use Operational
Mode when jumping into a remote DZ. You do not
need to switch it o because CYPRES 2 will do this
automatically.
When used in Training Mode, CYPRES 2 will check
the weather conditions continuously during the day
by measuring the air pressure twice a minute. This
means that the unit should always be precisely cali-
brated to the ambient air pressure at ground level.
The parameters of the various CYPRES 2 models
have been chosen to meet the needs of the vast
majority of parachutists, without interfering with
routine parachuting operations. Millions of jumps
with CYPRES since 1991 have proven the sound-
ness of these parameters. Certain specic activities
may nevertheless require special considerations or
CYPRES 2 settings. Freefall - or any vertical speed
that is greater than the activation speed at the de-
ned activation altitude (with a 1000/35 A Military
CYPRES 2 this is set to 35 meters per second/78
mph at sea level) - will cause CYPRES 2 to activate.
The CYPRES family ofAADs is exceptionally reli-
able. CYPRES units have saved the lives of well
over 5,100 parachutists to date and no unit has ever
failed to activate when the appropriate conditions
have been met. CYPRES 2 is truly the most reliable
piece of parachuting equipment ever produced.
CYPRES 2 cannot open your reserve - it is only
intended to cut your reserve closing loop. CYPRES 2
is strictly a backup device and is not a substitute for
proper training and the timely execution of emergency
procedures. It may show a faulty display or fail at any
time for any reason, potentially causing injury or death.
Do not use CYPRES 2 if you do not accept these risks.
You must ensure that the reserve closing loop passes
through the cutter hole. If you loan, rent or sell your
CYPRES 2 to somebody else it is your responsibility to
communicate this warning to them.

Page 4 - Military CYPRES 2 User Guide -
The CYPRES 2 combines tried and tested qual-
ity and reliability with a wealth of expertise and
technological progress following many years of
continuous research and development since 1991.
CYPRES 2 oers numerous features and attributes
including the following:
•The unit is waterproof for up to 15 minutes
down to a depth of 15 feet (5 meters) in both
freshwater and saltwater. At a depth of 8 feet
(2.5 meters) or less the unit is waterproof for
up to 24 hours.
•The unit’s power supply is maintenance-free
for the user. There is no need to observe a
replacement date, record the number of jumps
made, monitor the voltage during self-test,
purchase a battery, or have a rigger open or
repack the reserve for this reason.
•The serial number can be accessed from the
display.
•The maintenance due date can be accessed
from the display.
•The unit will remind you when it is approach-
ing its next maintenance date.
•The unit is small and lightweight.
•The unit has a robust, rigger-friendly case with
rounded corners and edges.
•The unit has an extended maintenance
window of +/- 6 months from the month of
manufacture. This allows the user to avoid
downtime during the busy part of the year
regardless of the month of manufacture.
•The unit completes its self-test in 10 seconds.

- Military CYPRES 2 User Guide - Page 5
1.2 Components
CYPRES 2 consists of a control unit, a process-
ing unit and a single release unit (cutter) for 1-pin
reserve containers or two release units (cutters) for
2-pin reserve containers.
Processing unit
Control unit
Release unit
(cutter)
Do not pull, lift, carry or throw CYPRES 2 by the cables.
WARNING

Page 6 - Military CYPRES 2 User Guide -
1.2.1 How CYPRES 2 works
Each time CYPRES 2 is switched on it repeatedly
measures the ambient air pressure over a short period
of time and takes the average value as the value for
ground level, thereby “zeroing” itself. This is per-
formed during the integrated self-test.
While in use, CYPRES 2 continuously checks the
air pressure while on the ground and adjusts to any
uctuations in air pressure due to changing weather
conditions. While you might need to reset your al-
timeter before a jump, CYPRES 2 takes care of itself.
This precise calibration should allow CYPRES 2 to
recognize the exact activation altitude and speed.
The processing unit contains a factory-programmed
microprocessor that can calculate the jumper’s
altitude and rate of descent in real time based on
barometric pressure. By continuously monitoring
this data, CYPRES 2 can make calculations regard-
ing the jumper’s altitude and rate of descent. Should
CYPRES 2 decide that the jumper is in a dangerous
situation (i.e., still in freefall at low altitude), the
processing unit instructs the release unit to initiate
the reserve container opening sequence.
The release unit (cutter) for the reserve container is
completely independent of the primary reserve para-
chute activation system (the reserve ripcord). Rather
than withdrawing the ripcord pin from the reserve
closing loop, the release unit cuts the reserve closing
loop inside the reserve container in order to initiate
the opening sequence. Please note that the closing
loop must pass through the cutter hole.
Initiating a reserve container’s opening sequence by
cutting the reserve closing loop is a method that was
invented and patented by Airtec’s founder Helmut
Cloth in 1987.
The CYPRES 2 activation system oers numerous
advantages:
• The reserve container opening sequence can be
initiated either by the jumper pulling the reserve
handle or by CYPRES 2 cutting the reserve clos-
ing loop.
• The only mechanical component is a single mov-
able piston in the release unit.
• The activation system is located inside the reserve
container where it is not exposed to excessive
shocks or other adverse inuences.

- Military CYPRES 2 User Guide - Page 7
In the event of an activation the piston moves a
distance of approx. 5 mm.
The release unit (cutter) is completely self-
contained and has been specically developed for
CYPRES 2. In the event of an activation, nothing
escapes or is expelled.
An 18-month investigation by BAM (Bunde-
sanstalt für Materialprüfung), Berlin, tested a total
of 99 release units. Following this investigation,
BAM and the U.S. DOT classied the CYPRES 2
as being non-hazardous.
Thanks to its high degree of reliability and other
properties, the CYPRES 2 release unit is currently
being used in aerospace applications (satellites).
• The system is unobtrusive and can be installed
so that it is undetectable from the outside.
Release unit
(cutter) with
elastic keeper
Functional diagram:
Reserve
closing
loop
Blade Plastic guide
Stainless
steel body

Page 8 - Military CYPRES 2 User Guide -
The Military CYPRES 2 Unit is designed
ENTER Training Mode by switching on the
CYPRES 2 on the ground: click, click, click, click.
That’s it. No need to do anything else.
The features from the civilian version of the
CYPRES 2 have been adapted to the various
military models by retaining the unit’s incredible
convenience and reliability (please note that the
activation altitude and speed criteria are based on
the Military model. See Section 12: Technical Data
for further information).
This mode is ideal whenever you are doing routine
training jumps. This is when you go to an aireld
or DZ, enter an airplane or helicopter, perform a
descent, land on that same aireld or DZ at the
same elevation, repack there, and do one or more
subsequent jumps. No matter how many jumps you
do and what kind of parachuting activity you are
performing, the only attention that your Military
CYPRES 2 unit requires is your click, click, click,
click procedure to switch on the unit and monitor
the self-test before your rst jump of the day.
The Military CYPRES 2 unit in Training Mode will
take account of meteorological inuences during
the day, including the extreme pressure changes
brought about by a bad weather front.
As long as the aireld/DZ are at the same elevation
or are in the same location, the Military CYPRES
2
unit is ideal for your training operations and re-
quires little attention once it has been switched on.
A Military CYPRES 2 unit
The Training Unit
1.3

- Military CYPRES 2 User Guide - Page 9
ENTER Operational Mode by keeping the push
button depressed after the last (4th) switch-on click
and enter the pressure value for the elevation at
your intended landing site.
This feature of the Military CYPRES 2 unit should
keep the parachutist safe during virtually every
military operation imaginable.
The unit can be set to every DZ in the world from
the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, to the
Himalayas in Asia, the highest point on Earth, or
even to a higher virtual DZ during a HAHO jump.
The unit can be programmed to another DZ prior to
take-o, while the parachutist is still on the ground.
Alternatively, you can choose your DZ while you
are already in ight and then program it at altitude.
You can also choose or change your DZ while
you are in ight in an active pressurized cabin and
program it there.
Setting the DZ is very straightforward: Just enter
the air pressure value for your target DZ into your
Military CYPRES 2 unit.
Setting the pressure value is intuitive and takes
less than 45 seconds.
Should the conditions for activation be met, in
Operational Mode your Military CYPRES 2 will
activate at 1,000 feet, 1,500 feet, 1,900 feet or
2,500 feet, respectively (depending of what kind of
unit you have or what mode you have chosen if you
have a Military Changeable Mode CYPRES 2).
A number of tools are available (digital calculator,
downloadable apps) to help you to nd the right
setting for any place in the world. These tools are
easy to use and simply require a few minutes of
familiarization.
The Operational Unit
to cope with virtually everything that you might execute.
really consists of two units
If you use your CYPRES 2 in
Operational Mode, please switch it
o󰀨 after completing your mission rather than allowing it
to switch o󰀨 itself.

Page 10 - Military CYPRES 2 User Guide -
Parachuting
without limits
1.5 Operational safety
There are two important points to remember re-
garding the operational safety of your CYPRES 2:
1. CYPRES 2 self-tests automatically every
time it is switched on. After every switch-on
procedure, CYPRES 2 executes a self-test
routine that checks all key internal functions.
A successful self-test gives you the best pos-
sible assurance that your unit will provide
trouble-free operation for up to 14 hours.
When the display unit shows 0, the self-test
has been successfully completed. If the self-test
has detected an error or discrepancy, CYPRES 2
will not enter normal operating mode but in-
stead will switch itself o after displaying an
error code indicating why the self-test process
has been aborted (see Section 5).
2. CYPRES 2 has a fail-safe error detection sys-
tem. Two processes are activated in CYPRES 2
once the unit has been switched on: a primary
operational process and an independent con-
trol process that continuously monitors the
1.4 Power supply
You do not need to worry about CYPRES 2’s power
supply in any way, other than by remembering to
switch o the unit after completing your mission
in Operational Mode.
The unit should function from the date of manu-
facture (DOM) until the end of its service life.
If CYPRES 2 ceases to function or displays an er-
ror code during the self-test please contact Airtec
or SSK.
No CYPRES 2 user has ever had to pay for a bat-
tery since 2003, provided that the maintenance
intervals have been adhered to.

- Military CYPRES 2 User Guide - Page 11
operational process. Should an error occur while
the operational process is active, the backup
control process should switch the unit o.
Depending on the type of error and its potential
impact, CYPRES 2 can either be switched on
again or it will remain permanently in shutdown
mode. With certain error codes (see Section 5)
the user will be unable to reactivate the unit.
In these cases, CYPRES 2 must be sent to the
manufacturer or to your service center for
inspection and adjustment.
2. Product overview
Military CYPRES 2 is available in the following
standard models:
1000/35 A
1500/35 A
1900/35 A
2500/35 A
2500/29 A
Changeable MODE Mil
The dierence between the rst four versions is
the activation altitude. The fth diers from the
rst four versions in terms of its vertical activa-
tion speed. The sixth version is the Changeable
MODE Mil CYPRES 2, which allows users to
switch between modes 1000/35 - 1500/35 - 1900/35
- 2500/35.
The A indicates that the pressure value for a target
DZ at a dierent elevation must be set at an abso-
lute pressure value (only in Operational Mode).
All units can be tted with either a one-pin cutter
or a two-pin cutter. These can be exchanged at
any time by unplugging the old one and plugging
in the new one.
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 12 - Military CYPRES 2 User Guide -
1500/35 A
1500/35 A indicates that this unit is set to activate
at approx. 1,500 ft above the DZ if the vertical
speed is faster than approx. 35 m/s (about 78mph).
This model has been developed to suit various
applications using tactical canopies and higher
payloads. It is recommended for multi-mission solo
jumps with or without drogue deployment systems.
The higher activation altitude of 1,500 ft is ap-
propriate for the longer opening distance of most
tactical canopies used in the eld.
Can also be used on the bundle for MTTB jumps.
Contact the manufacturer of your parachute/con-
tainer system for further assistance.
1000/35 A
1000/35 A indicates that this unit is set to activate
at approx. 1,000 ft above the DZ if the vertical
speed is faster than approx. 35 m/s (about 78mph).
This model is designed for versatile military use
and is recommended for solo jumps carrying little
or no equipment. The activation setting reects the
short opening distance of smaller tactical square
parachutes.
Can also be used on the bundle for MTTB jumps.
Contact the manufacturer of your parachute/con-
tainer system for further assistance.
Model Nato Stock Number
M-CYPRES 2 1000/35
1-pin absolute calibration 1670-12-361-9578
M-CYPRES 2 1000/35
2-pin absolute calibration 1670-12-361-9579
Model Nato Stock Number
M-CYPRES 2 1500/35
1-pin absolute calibration 1670-12-361-9580
M-CYPRES 2 1500/35
2-pin absolute calibration 1670-12-361-9581

- Military CYPRES 2 User Guide - Page 13
1900/35 A
1900/35 A indicates that this unit is set to activate
at approx. 1,900 ft above the DZ if the vertical
speed is faster than approx. 35 m/s (about 78mph).
This model has been adapted to meet the needs of
“slick” (no combat equipment) military tandem
and multi-mission solo operations or operations
with large payloads. Taking into consideration the
higher altitude required for tandem canopy deploy-
ment as well as the considerable opening distance
of tandem reserve canopies, this device is set to an
activation altitude of 1,900 ft.
Do not use for solo jumps with tandem equipment
tted with a large drogue system.
Contact the manufacturer of your parachute/con-
tainer system for further assistance.
Model Nato Stock Number
M-CYPRES 2 1900/35
1-pin absolute calibration 1670-12-361-9582
M-CYPRES 2 1900/35
2-pin absolute calibration 1670-12-361-9583

Page 14 - Military CYPRES 2 User Guide -
2500/35 A
2500/35 A indicates that this unit is set to activate
at approx. 2,500 ft above the DZ if the vertical
speed is faster than approx. 35 m/s (about 78mph).
This unit is made for operations where a higher ac-
tivation altitude and 35 m/s (78 mph) is preferred.
Do not use for solo jumps with tandem equip-
ment and MTTB (bundles) including large drogue
systems.
Contact the manufacturer of your parachute/con-
tainer system for further assistance.
Model Nato Stock Number
M-CYPRES 2 2500/35
1-pin absolute calibration n.a.
M-CYPRES 2 2500/35
2-pin absolute calibration n.a.
2500/29 A
2500/29 A indicates that this unit is set to activate
at approx. 2,500 ft above the DZ if the vertical
speed is faster than approx. 29 m/s (about 65mph).
This model is recommended for “heavy” (two
jumpers with full combat equipment) tandem and
MTTB (bundle) operations. The activation altitude
of 2,500 ft addresses large parachute deployments
and heavy loads. The activation speed of 29 m/s has
been adapted to the slower fall rate under a large
drogue following a cutaway of the bundle load.
For the bundle delivery parachute we recommend
a vertical separation of no less than 1,000 ft. We
recommend that this system be combined with the
1500/35A or 1000/35A model.
Contact the manufacturer of your parachute/con-
tainer system for further assistance.
Model Nato Stock Number
M-CYPRES 2 2500/29
1-pin absolute calibration 1670-12-361-9584
M-CYPRES 2 2500/29
2-pin absolute calibration 1670-12-361-9585

- Military CYPRES 2 User Guide - Page 15
Changeable MODE Mil CYPRES 2
The Changeable MODE Mil CYPRES 2 can be
recognized by the olive button with the white
“Changeable MODE” lettering on the control unit.
Features:
• Flexible mode change in the eld
• Safe setting procedure
• Prevents unwanted mode change
The user can switch as required between the various
modes (1000/35 - 1500/35 - 1900/35 - 2500/35).
The procedure for switching the mode is designed
to prevent the mode being changed unintentionally.
All handling for this unit is identical to all other
military CYPRES 2 units.
The behavior of each mode is identical to that of
each individual original military model.
When the unit is on, the current mode is indicated
by a bar below the relevant mode.
Note: The default factory setting of new change-
able MODE Mil units is: Mode 1500/35.
Unit set to 1000/35 mode
Bar indicating
the mode
An inappropriate mode can cause a false activation/
failure to activate.
Using an inappropriate mode could easily injure or kill
you or others.
Always use the unit in the appropriate mode.
Never use the device in an inappropriate mode under
any circumstances or for any reason.
When you switch on the Changeable MODE Mil
CYPRES 2 it immediately displays the set mode.
While it is ON it continuously displays the set
mode. If the bar is covered by another display, it
will blink to indicate the set mode.

Page 16 - Military CYPRES 2 User Guide -
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 .
To change the mode:
1. Switch on the unit. When appears
immediately press + hold the button
2. Various information will be displayed (serial
number, etc). Wait until you see the bar that
shows the current mode setting 10 15 19 25
3. Indicate that you want to change the mode
by
briey releasing and then pressing + holding
the button
4. CYPRES 2 will conrm by ashing the LED
for 1 second
5. When the LED turns o
immediately release the button
6. The bar will cycle through each of the modes
10 15 19 25 Click to select your new choice
7. To conrm the setting
repeat the procedure once more
The mode will only change when you complete
steps 1-7 of the procedure identically twice in a
row. Otherwise, the unit will remain in its current
mode.
Note:
Changing the mode will automatically reset the
chosen mode to the standard settings for the rel-
evant model (see Section 12).
You must always keep your control unit pocket
(or window) clean and clear in order to ensure that
you can recognize all of the signs on the display
at all times.

- Military CYPRES 2 User Guide - Page 17
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 18 - Military CYPRES 2 User 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.

- Military CYPRES 2 User Guide - Page 19
4. How to operate CYPRES 2
4.1 Handling the control unit
The push button on the control unit should be
pressed with the ngertip; please do not use a
ngernail or any other object. Use a short click
action in the centre of the button.
Please familiarize yourself with switching
CYPRES 2 on and off (see Section 4.2) and
changing the altitude reference (see Section 4.4)
prior to use.
The push button is the only means the user has
to control CYPRES 2’s functions. The user only
needs to perform the following actions:
•Switch on
• Switch o
•Accept the default Training Mode, or
select Operational Mode
• View the ight counter
View the serial number
View the next maintenance date
View the rev. number
The following sections will describe these proce-
dures in detail.
Click the button
(briey press and release)
Press and hold down the button
(keep the button pressed)
Release the button
LED ash
LED ON
LED OFF