BlackSky ARRD

BlackSky - ARRD {Component}

Contributed by Thomas Rau

Manufacturer: BlackSky
(Contributed - by Thomas Rau - 01/14/03)

KitBrief:
T' BlackSky Advanced Retention and Release Device (ARRD) is a pyrotechnically activated release device. It is most commonly used t' provide dual-deployment from a single compartment but can also be used t' secure and release just about anythin' (i.e. Begad! Blimey! external boosters).

Construction:
T' ARRD is 2.10 inches long and is 1.245 inches in diameter. Avast! It consists o' a machined 7075 aluminum body into which a 17-4 stainless toggle is inserted. The base unscrews t' reveal an internal piston with a tension sprin' and five stainless steel capture balls. Avast, me proud beauty! T' base has 1/4-28 mountin' stud along with an openin' for t' e-match leads t' pass out. Avast, me proud beauty! There is a machined Delrin cartridge which holds .05cc o' pyrodex and up t' two e-matches which fits into a machined hole in t' base. Ya scallywag! Begad! When assembled t' toggle is held firmly by t' capture balls. Well, blow me down! Ignition o' t' e-matches results in t' piston movin' up against the pressure o' t' tension sprin' and releasin' t' toggle and thus whatever is attached t' it. Ahoy! Begad! T' toggle has both a machined plain hole through t' side and a 1/4-28 threaded hole through t' top. Begad! Blimey! In t' picture you can see I've added a 3/16 SS quicklink t' t' toggle, me bucko, me hearties, this is nay included with t' ARRD. Avast, me proud beauty!

UseT' quality o' t' ARRD is top notch, BlackSky uses only high quality parts and t' machinin' is excellent. Assembly is straight forward. Avast! Lightly lube t' two o-rings. Blimey! Install the e-matches into t' Delrin cartridge and pass t' leads out o' t' body base. Aye aye! In the Delrin cartridge is a small recess t' hold t' pyrodex or blackpowder charge (0.05cc) and an adhesive backed paper disk is placed over this t' hold the charge. Begad! Aye aye! T' only tricky part comes next, me bucko, turn t' body upside down, me bucko, me bucko, insert the toggle, drop in t' 5 capture balls, shiver me timbers, last insert t' piston (makin' sure the tension sprin' is in place) until t' piston is just past t' threaded section o' t' body. Blimey! T' toggle is now captured and you can screw t' body back onto t' base. Aye aye! T' reason I say tricky is that in practice it usually takes more than one try t' get t' toggle t' capture properly. Ya scallywag! However once captured properly I have never been able t' get it t' accidently release. T' specs on the ARRD are as follows:

  • Max Static Load 880lbs
  • Max Release Load 100lbs
  • Weight 3.3oz
  • Mountin' is a single 1/4-28 (NF) stainless bolt

AssembledFinishing:
T' quality o' t' machining/finish is excellent. Aye aye! Blimey! T' instructions are adequate, ya bilge rat, consistin' o' an assembly detail sheet on one side and an assembly instruction sheet with an exploded view along with assembly instructions. Avast!

Summary:
Pro: Extremely well made, fairly easy t' use, me hearties, arrr, small size. Begad! Ahoy! Works well in small enclosed spaces.

Con: Can be tricky t' get t' toggle t' capture properly. Well, shiver me timbers, blow me down! A little on the pricy side, matey, but you get what you pay for.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5

Comments:

avatar
W.T.M. (May 4, 2009)
I haven't had the problem of getting the toggle to capture. I've flown with this device a few times and it seems to work well. Sadly, it appears to be "out of print" until the company gets back on its feet again. The instructions recommend the use of their e-match. I have used this successfully with J-Tek e-matches. This device will also function off of an air supply. One could imagine avoiding the use of Pyrodex and an e-match.

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