IrvinGQ® supports women in defence through parachute provided to the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team

ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion

This year, the team has been led by Officer Commanding (OC) Flt Lt Alice Adams-Cairns, continuing the legacy of female representation within the Falcons and reflecting the RAF’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion. As part of their sponsorship, IrvinGQ® and their partner, Performance Designs, have developed a custom canopy engineered to suit lighter-weight jumpers that supports not only Flt Lt Adams-Cairns but also future team members, male or female, who may require tailored specialised equipment. This innovation underscores a broader commitment to operational excellence.

The RAF Falcons conduct an unique aerial display using signature red smoke and a flag team

On each display, up to ten parachutists will exit the aircraft between 2,500ft and 7,000ft and form a non-contact stack to conduct various manoeuvres in the sky. The Falcons have been displaying with IrvinGQ® canopies for 16 years and have conducted 45 displays during the 2025 season. Through this enduring partnership, IrvinGQ® ensures the team has access to the very best parachute systems, allowing them to deliver demanding and visually spectacular displays safely and with confidence.

Quote from IrvinGQ® Senior Project Manager, Henrietta Jackson:

“As a woman, it is an honour to have contributed to this project and to sponsor the RAF Falcons with a smaller parachute designed to suit lighter jumpers – supporting not only female team members, but all who may benefit from tailored equipment in this and future seasons. This is an important step promoting diversity and representation within the Armed Forces that IrvinGQ® is extremely proud to support.”