In article ,
Dave Houlton wrote:
This parachute discussion has me thinking about the rocket-deployed
chutes we used to have for hang gliding, and the BRS systems now in
Cirrus (Cirrii?) and small Cessnas. Probably no improvement w.r.t
weight or cost considerations, but for convenience, comfort, and "always
there when you need it" they would seem ideal. I don't actually know
the repack requirements, but I would guess they're annually or even longer.

Are there any gliders out there today with whole-ship BRS-type chutes?

I've flown a powered ultralight with one. Additionally,
the whole ultralight weight issue excludes safety devices.
From what I understand, you may add 70# to your legal
empty weight if you add a BRS type chute.

So you can actually GAIN legal empty weight by adding
a chute. Still cuts into gross wt though...

I've read the stats and these things have a remarkable
save rate, and at VERY low altitudes (some below 300 ft).