Celebrating the Legacy of IrvinGQ®

IrvinGQ®, a name recognised globally for safety and innovation in the defence industry, boasts a storied history spanning over a century. From its inception to its current status as a global leader in parachute technology and aerial delivery systems, IrvinGQ®’s journey is a testament to innovation and commitment to saving lives.

Leslie Leroy Irvin, the inventor behind IrvinGQ®, revolutionised parachute technology. Born in 1895, Irvin made his first parachute jump in 1919, cementing his legacy as an aviation safety pioneer. His work laid the foundation for the Irvin Air Chute Company, established in 1919, quickly becoming a leading name in parachute manufacturing.

IrvinGQ®’s commitment to innovation is evident in its development of the first free-fall parachute, setting new safety standards and expanding parachute use in military and civilian applications. The company’s partnership with the British Army during World War II resulted in thousands of parachutes, significantly impacting military operations, and the relationship with the British Army continues eighty years later. 

The 1937 catalogue of Irvin Air Chutes showcases the company’s early product range and marketing strategies, reflecting the brand’s evolution and enduring commitment to quality. IrvinGQ’s products were not just functional but also symbols of trust and reliability.

Today, IrvinGQ®, headquartered in Wales, leads the market in parachute and aerial delivery systems. 

At the forefront of airdrop developments, providing world-leading aerial delivery solutions with a proven track record of over 500 successful live drops. Our products, trusted by global government agencies, set the standard for high-performance missions. We offer a complete range of airdrop systems and comprehensive support services, including trials certification, parachute packing training, load rigging training, technical user manuals, equipment care and maintenance, spares, repairs, and through-life support.

The world really does still depend on IrvinGQ®

As the company continues to advance in aerospace safety and technology, its legacy inspires confidence and trust worldwide. IrvinGQ® not only honours its past but also looks forward to a future filled with innovative advancements, continuing to safeguard lives with every deployment.

Commitment to Community and Sustainability

Not only is the company dedicated to innovation and safety but also to its local community and staff wellbeing. Having recently pledged to up-skill its workforce and invest in local initiatives, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth. This commitment to social responsibility is reflected in their programmes aimed at enhancing staff skills and contributing to the community’s overall welfare.

IrvinGQ® pledge to:

• Baseline Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions for net zero goal.
• Publish ISO 14064-1 compliant carbon reduction plan and achieve ISO 14001 accreditation by end of 2024.
• Provide Medicash Level 1 to all employees by the end of 2024, covering dental, physiotherapy, and gym discounts.
• Implement role-related occupational health assessments for staff physical health.
• Use position to upskill local community in Bridgend, identified as deprived.
• Establish apprenticeship scheme with Bridgend College for engineering skills and interview practice.
• Ensure staff have clear opportunities for progression and development.
• Produce a staff survey on training to set improvement targets.

Furthermore, they also have a strong set of values internally that the employees are encouraged to follow.

Core Values: IrvinGQ’s success is deeply rooted in its core values, which guide every aspect of the company’s operations:

• Quality: “Be proud of what we do.” This principle drives IrvinGQ® to maintain the highest standards in all its products and services.
• Customer Focused: “Our customer is the beginning, the end, and everything in between.” The company’s commitment to customer satisfaction is unwavering, ensuring that every product meets the needs and expectations of its users.
• Social: “Look after each other; we only succeed together.” IrvinGQ® fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment, recognising that their success is built on teamwork.
• Unique, Not Bland: “Dare to stand out from the crowd.” Innovation and creativity are at the heart of IrvinGQ®, encouraging bold ideas and distinctive solutions.
• Continuous Improvement: “Be better than yesterday.” The company is dedicated to constant growth and enhancement, always striving to surpass previous achievements.

The Caterpillar Club

IrvinGQ®’s Caterpillar Club is a distinguished group for individuals who survived emergencies by using an Irvin parachute, symbolised by a gold caterpillar pin representing the silk threads of early parachutes. Noteworthy members include Charles Lindbergh and General Doolittle. By 2014, the club had grown to over 100,000 members worldwide.

Remarkably, the Caterpillar Club continues to grow, with new members joining every year, each story a testament to IrvinGQ’s life-saving technology and enduring legacy. This tradition not only highlights the life-saving impact of IrvinGQ’s products, but also fosters a sense of community and gratitude among survivors.

For more details, visit Caterpillar Club – IrvinGQ.

Ejection Seat Parachute Systems

IrvinGQ® also has a long lasting relationship with Martin-Baker, the premier ejection seat manufacturer.

IrvinGQ® specialises in designing and manufacturing ejection seat parachute systems, building on a legacy that began with the first live ejection in 1946. Collaborating closely with Martin-Baker, they have contributed to saving over 7,400 aircrew lives. Every Martin-Baker ejection seat is supported by an IrvinGQ® parachute.

Our offerings include main parachutes, seat stabilising drogues, and auxiliary parachutes for advanced fighter jets like the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Lockheed Martin F-35 JSF. Our innovative solutions are crucial for effective aircraft escape and recovery systems.

For more information, visit IrvinGQ Ejection Seat Parachutes.

This article honours a century of groundbreaking innovation and commitment to safety in the defence industry. Our pioneering parachute technology has saved countless lives, and our dedication to quality, community, and environmental responsibility continues to set industry standards. IrvinGQ® exemplifies excellence, inspiring confidence and trust worldwide.

To learn more about IrvinGQ® and their remarkable contributions, visit IrvinGQ.