The electronics that auto-activate reserve. ENAC de facto standard — no school lets you jump without one.
AAD measures altitude and speed in real-time. If at safety altitude (typically 225 m AGL) the skydiver is still descending at freefall speed, AAD fires reserve. Last-resort backup for unconscious, stuck-handle, dual-malfunction cases. World-certified manufacturers: Cypres (Germany), Vigil (Belgium), MarS (Czech Republic).
Expert (225 m firing, 35 m/s), Student (400 m, 22 m/s), Tandem (580 m, 35 m/s). Mode chosen by discipline profile — wingsuit has dedicated profile.
Cypres: 12 years + 3 service cycles (4 years each). Vigil: 20 years no mandatory service. MarS: 15 years with 4-year service. Total lifecycle cost matters beyond initial price.
Replaceable every 2 years (Cypres 2) or non-replaceable with 20-year life (Vigil). Operating cost profile differs.
Historic reference. Mandatory 4-year service. 12-year operational life. Tracks all events (including every power-on). Preferred by most schools.
Total cost of ownership over 12 years (purchase + 3 services) is ~€2,500-2,800. Calculate when comparing to Vigil.
Manufacturer site →20-year operational life with no mandatory service. Non-replaceable battery. Lower TCO if kept for full operational life.
Czech alternative with more aggressive initial price. Less installed in Italian schools but technically solid.
Cypres 12 years, Vigil 20 years, MarS 15 years. Service and maintenance per manufacturer — do not ignore dates.
Moderate supply, needs active search. Fluctuating pricing. Only buy with certified rigger inspection.