The PGS-500 parachute system is a cargo airdrop system built to deliver loads of up to 500 kg by air. This guide explains what the specification actually means, what comes in the kit, and why the cargo parachute system with technical passport matters when you buy.
What the “500” means
The number refers to the rated payload: the PGS-500 is designed to airdrop cargo weighing up to 500 kg. That covers a wide range of real loads — palletised supplies, generators, light vehicles, and containerised aid. The exact rigged-load limit for a given configuration is stated in the unit’s technical passport, which we share on request.
Series 2
The systems we supply are PGS-500 Series 2. The series identifies the configuration standard of the system and its documentation. Each unit carries a passport recording its type, serial number, and inspection status.
What is in the kit
A complete PGS-500 is not a single parachute but a full system:
- Main canopy — the load-bearing parachute.
- Spare / reserve canopy — included with the system.
- Rigging and suspension — risers, slings, and connectors.
- Hardware — release units, links, and fittings.
- Platform components — for mounting and strapping the load.
Compatible aircraft
The PGS-500 is deployed from the standard transport fleet: An-12, An-26, An-32, An-72, An-74, and Il-76. That spread means the same system works from a light tactical airlifter up to a heavy transport. See how cargo airdrop works for the loading and release detail.
Key figures at a glance
| Payload capacity | Up to 500 kg |
|---|---|
| System / series | PGS-500, Series 2 |
| Type | Low-Velocity Air Drop (CDS) |
| Aircraft | An-12, An-26, An-32, An-72, An-74, Il-76 |
| Main canopy area | On request |
| Descent rate | On request |
| Packed system weight | On request |
We do not publish canopy area, descent rate, or packed weight as fixed numbers here, because they are confirmed per unit from the technical passport. Ask us and we will send the figures for the units you are quoting.
The technical passport
Every system ships with its technical passport (data sheet) — the document that records the system type, serial number, and inspection history. On the stock we hold, configuration was checked and documented (for example, verified January 2024). The passport also carries the standard instruction that repacking is required before operational use, which is normal for any packed airdrop parachute held in storage.
Why documentation matters
For a buyer, the passport is traceability. It ties a physical system to a record you can inspect, plan maintenance around, and reference for training. It is one of the main reasons to buy a documented system rather than an undocumented one — a point we cover in benefits of buying surplus cargo parachute systems.