I've no knowledge of the US low cost chute I'm afraid. I do though remember the first drop of the one tons on 26ft Ring slot from high altitude. A stick of 8 were dropped onto Larkhill impact area through cloud. We only saw 7 canopies and so having recoved them we went searching for number 8 driving a long wheel base Landrover over the target area trying not to get stuck in the bomb craters. It was fun avoiding all the bombs and shells lying on the surface and then occasionally getting out and standing on the target hulks to get a better view. We eventually found it in the area previously used for wire guided missiles firings (MT didn't like us for winding all that wire around the prop shafts). The two extra layers of EDM had done their job and whilst some of the jerry cans were crushed at least half still held their water ballast, OK for humanitarian relief.