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The Vigil Multimode Automatic Activation Device (AAD)

The Vigil Multimode Automatic Activation Device (AAD)

12 April 2023 · 14:57
Issue 121
Article
Conceived and developed by a team of engineers and parachutists the ADD automatically activates the reserve parachute when the parameters reveal a dangerous freefall situation. It offers in a compact device robustness and reliability unequalled to this day.   
In 2003, Advanced Aerospace Designs (A.A.D., nv/sa) launched the first-generation Vigil multimode Automatic Activation Device (AAD) on the market. Since then, Vigil has constantly evolved and has saved over 500 lives, providing peace of mind to thousands more across the globe! 
With nearly 20 years of experience since its launch, Vigil has established a firm place in both sport and military markets. 
While Vigil Cuatro is more designed for the sports market, the Mil Vigil II+c is an AAD especially designed for military purposes. The Mil Vigil II+c is used by most military in the world, including the entire US Army.  
“VIGIL II+c Military” is without a doubt the best multimode AAD choice for military free-fall operations and can be used in HA and VHA conditions for HAHO and HALO missions. 
The VIGIL will calculate permanently the left-over time to reach the activation altitude in function of the chosen setting and values in STANDARD and QNH settings (Alt Corr, pressure and elevation).  It has 3 selectable pre-defined settings in: “STANDARD”, “QNH” and “TIME.” It has 3 programmable activation modes in: “PRO”, “TANDEM” and “BUNDLE”. 
This device in STANDARD Setting can be used for standard sport disciplines. In STANDARD setting, the unit will recalibrate automatically in regard of ground zero level pression, it can be used for training missions and will switch off after 14 hours. 
In the QNH setting for Operational/Tactical missions, the VIGIL can be set to the landing altitude or in TIME setting in the air (pressurized cabin or not) and it will automatically switch off after 24 hours. 
The Vigil AAD works also as a data recorder which is easily accessible. The memory keeps the last 16 freefall and canopy data (with a maximum of 16 jumps). This data includes the total freefall time, number of jumps, exit and opening altitude and much more useful freefall and canopy ride information. This data can be seen on the LCD screen or downloaded onto a PC. An infrared reader allows the user to access this data at any time without sending the unit back to the factory.  The device offers big advantages with its robust design and easy to operate, “no scheduled maintenance”, downloadable freefall data and a 12-year life span.
For more detailed info,   contact military@vigil.aero.
 
Visual in:
STANDARD: the set mode will be permanently on-screen.
QNH: alternatively, QNH (3 sec) / Elevation (3 sec) on-screen.
TIME: set seconds permanently on-screen (from 3 to 32 sec).
On request, modes and values are factory programmable to meet specific custom operational needs.
CONFIG
The User can choose between: “Feet” or “Meter” & “U.S.” or “Metric”.
NSN CODIFICATION
- Vigil II+c Military Single Pin: VIG-MIL 2130-00 NSN: 1377-13-121-8661
- Vigil II+c Military Dual Pin: VIG-MIL 2132-00 NSN: 1377-13-122-3937
MAINTENANCE:
There is no mandatory maintenance return to the manufacturer required.
The “Control Unit” & “Cutter Unit” are field replaceable thanks to the push-pull connector.
The “High Energy Lithium Dual Battery Pack” replacement is required if a “Bat Low” or “Bat Rpl” message is displayed on screen during the startup or after 12 years of use from the DOM (max operational life time).
Battery replacement must be performed at a VIGIL RMA Center or in an approved military VIGIL service center.
DATA LOGGER
Up to 16 minutes of jump data (or last 16 jumps) are stored in the on-board memory.
It is possible for all users to download the recorded data, by using our “IR Download Box + Software” to your PC.
GRAPH INFO
The freefall jumper dot : detection of the freefall (min. 5/8 sec above activation speed).
The logo dot: activation of the Vigil.
The open canopy dot: detection end of the freefall (min. 5/8 sec below activation speed).
OPERATING RANGES
Active Airborne Range (AMSL): from -1,800 ft to 30,000 ft (-600 m to +9.200 m).
Altitude Correction Range in STANDARD Setting: from +6,000 ft to -6,000 ft (+2.000 m to -2.000 m).
Pressure Range: from 1090 hPa to 300 hPa (32.19 to 8,85 inhg).
Elevation Range in QNH Setting: from -1,800 ft to +18,000 ft (-600 m to + 6.000 m).
Working Temperature: from -22°F to +158°F (-30°C to +70°C).
Waterproof:IP 68 - immersion at max. 6.5 ft (2 m) during max. 24 hours.
LIFETIME: 20 years life expectancy.
WARRANTY: 2 years from DOM for defective parts.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Self-test: automatically checks all of its components and functions during each start up.
A “Pulses Plus Battery” to supply the high peak current to instantly activate the cutter.
It uses Kevlar reinforced cabling that delivers a unique combination of strength & suppleness.
Equipped with a fork clip to secure the connectors in place.
DIMENSIONS
Main Box: Size: 4 x 2 x 0.8 inch (102 mm x 51 mm x 20 mm) Volume: 8 inch3 (130 cm3) - Weight: 14 ounce (400 g)
Cutter size: 2 inch x Ø 0.35 inch (55 mm x Ø 9 mm)
Controller size: 2.54 x 0.7 x 0.33 inch (64,5 x 19 x 8,5 mm)
Cable length: Cutter unit: Standard ± 1.97 ft (± 600 mm) Control unit: Standard ± 2.95 ft (± 900 mm)