Support Equipment

Joint Precision Air Drop System

Also known as

JPADS
GPADS
JPADS 2K
JPADS 2KM
JPADS 10K
Screamer 2K

Joint Precision Air Drop System (JPADS) is a U.S. GPS-guided airdrop system that uses steerable parachutes and onboard avionics to guide cargo bundles to a designated landing point. Airborne Systems describes its JPADS/GPADS line as a mature family spanning 25- to 10,000-pound payloads, with shared GPS and inertial avionics, mission-planning software compatibility, and use by U.S. and foreign militaries.

Joint Precision Air Drop System, GPS-guided airdrop system with steerable parachute bundles, Support Equipment

Image source: Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS 2K), Autonomous Guidance Unit (AGU)

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Airborne Systems North America
Type: GPS-guided airdrop system with steerable parachute bundles
Service note: 2000s-present

support equipment gps-guided autonomous air-dropped

Specifications

Payload capacity: 25 to 10,000 lb across the JPADS/GPADS line.
Guidance: GPS and inertial avionics with steerable parachutes and autonomous flight software.
Mission planning: Supported by Airborne Systems' jTrax Mission Planner and compatible with USAF CAT airdrop planning software.
Deployment: All deployment components remain attached to the system, and no pyrotechnics are required.

Compatible Aircraft

Air Force reporting shows C-130 Hercules aircraft airdropping JPADS bundles, so the system is documented with tactical airlift compatibility.

Compatible item

Item type

Compatibility evidence

C-130 Hercules, Tactical airlift transport aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs

Tactical airlift transport aircraft

Air Force and AMC reporting document C-130 Hercules aircraft airdropping supplies with JPADS bundles.

Sources: JPADS continues 'revolution in air drop technology', Bagram C-130s drop high-tech cargo delivery system

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: In service with the U.S. Department of Defense and dozens of foreign militaries; Airborne Systems says the family has been airdropped in test, training, and operational use tens of thousands of times.
Used by: United States Department of Defense, Dozens of foreign militaries

Media

Joint Precision Air Drop System Videos

The Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS)

Joint Precision Air Drop System Images

Joint Precision Air Drop System, GPS-guided airdrop system with steerable parachute bundles, Support Equipment - view 1 — Source: Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS 2K), Autonomous Guidance Unit (AGU)

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Sources

Guided Precision Aerial Delivery SystemsPublisher: Airborne Systems | Note: Supports the JPADS/GPADS family overview, GPS and inertial guidance architecture, payload range, mission-planner compatibility, and Airborne Systems product context. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 The MicroFly II has arrivedPublisher: Airborne Systems North America | Note: Supports Airborne Systems North America identity and the company's GPADS/JPADS product line context. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS 2K), Autonomous Guidance Unit (AGU)Publisher: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum | Note: Supports the JPADS 2K autonomous guidance unit identification, object context, and image provenance for the gallery photos. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 JPADS continues 'revolution in air drop technology'Publisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports C-130 Hercules compatibility with JPADS and the GPS-guided steerable parachute description in Air Force reporting. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Bagram C-130s drop high-tech cargo delivery systemPublisher: Air Mobility Command | Note: Supports C-130 Hercules compatibility with JPADS in Afghanistan reporting. | Accessed: 2026-06-27