Our Heritage

For over 100 years IrvinGQ® has been saving lives. There’s no wonder why at IrvinGQ®, safety is in the fabric of our business

Saving lives for over 100 years

With a rich legacy dating back to Leslie Leroy Irvin’s groundbreaking jump in 1919, IrvinGQ® celebrates a century of life-saving innovation. Originating as major suppliers to World War II air forces, Irvin and GQ Parachutes evolved into IrvinGQ®, continually advancing airdrop systems.

Today, our enduring commitment to safety reflects a storied history, solidified by membership in the Irvin Caterpillar Club and the GQ Gold Club. IrvinGQ®: A century of excellence, shaping the future with a legacy of safety.

1919

The start of a legacy

Leslie Leroy Irvin made the world’s first free-fall parachute descent and formed Irving Air Chutes. At the same time, James Gregory and Sir Raymond Quilter formed GQ Parachutes.

1940

A collaboration for the future

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.

1945+

Safety is in the fabric of our business

Irvin and GQ manufactured braking parachutes for the first jet combat aircraft and continued to supply assemblies for the latest types entering service.

75YRS

Committed to honour the armed forces

For more than 75 years, both companies have developed airdrop systems for the aerial delivery by parachute of large and varied loads of equipment, to enhance the capabilities of airborne forces.

2018

Who we are today

In 2018, we formed the IrvinGQ® we are today. With over 100 years’ design experience, IrvinGQ® has world class status for pioneering advancements in technology.

2019

100 years onwards

In 2019, we celebrate the 100 year anniversary of Leslie Irvin’s first premeditated free-fall parachute jump.

2023

Where we are today

In 2023, we pride ourselves in being the world-leaders in Aerial Delivery Systems, Personnel Parachutes, Search & Rescue and Naval Decoy systems.

IrvinGQ® are the world leaders in the design and manufacture of Parachute and Aerial Delivery systems

With a rich legacy dating back to Leslie Leroy Irvin’s groundbreaking jump in 1919, IrvinGQ® celebrates a century of life-saving innovation. Originating as major suppliers to World War II air forces, Irvin and GQ Parachutes evolved into IrvinGQ®, continually advancing airdrop systems. Today, our enduring commitment to safety reflects a storied history, solidified by membership in the Irvin Caterpillar Club and the GQ Gold Club. IrvinGQ®: A century of excellence, shaping the future with a legacy of safety.

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& our products

Experience IrvinGQ®—a heritage of aerospace and defence innovation from Aerial Delivery Solutions to Personnel Parachutes, our world-leading products signify unwavering commitment to excellence.