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History |
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Irvin-GQ was formed in June 2001 from the merger of Irvin Aerospace Limited and GQ Parachutes
Limited. For over 75 years, these two companies have been world leaders in the supply of
parachutes and safety and survival equipment to the international military and aerospace markets.
In 1919, Leslie Irvin made the world's first free-fall parachute descent in the USA and established
a European factory for the mass production of parachutes in England in 1926. At about the same
time, James Gregory and Sir Raymond Quilter foresaw the need for widely available and dependable
parachute systems for aircrew and formed GQ Parachutes in 1932.
The 1930s saw both companies established as major suppliers of emergency escape parachutes to the
world's airforces.
In 1940, Irvin and GQ collaborated to produce the X-Type Paratroop Parachute Assembly, to meet the
need for a safe and reliable static line assembly for the new and rapidly expanding Army Airborne
Forces. This assembly with minor modifications was to be used throughout World War 2 and for some
20 years beyond. During the war years, both companies mass produced parachute assemblies for both
aircrew and airborne forces.
The post-war advances and developments in aerospace produced an expansion in the use and
capabilities of parachutes. With the advent of high-speed military aircraft in the 1950s,
parachute assemblies designed and manufactured by both companies became standard on aircrew
ejection seats designed and manufactured by Martin-Baker. This long established relationship
continues to the present day. Parachutes manufactured by Irvin and GQ have saved the lives
of countless aircrew who were forced to bail out of stricken aircraft. Many of their names are
recorded in the registers of the Irvin Caterpillar Club and the GQ Gold Club, established in
1926 and 1940 respectively. New members continue to be enrolled in these exclusive clubs.
In the post-war years, both companies expanded their capabilities into non-personnel applications.
Irvin and GQ manufactured braking parachutes for the first jet combat aircraft and continue to
supply assemblies for the latest types entering service. Systems for the safe recovery of
unmanned aircraft and space vehicles have been developed and utilised.
For more than 40 years, both companies have been at the forefront of the ongoing development of
air-drop systems for the aerial delivery by parachute of very large and varied loads of
equipment and supplies, to enhance the capabilities of airborne forces.
Irvin-GQ preserves the internationally established brand names of both companies and will
maintain the proud traditions of its predecessors and continue to supply products of quality
and reliability.
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