Brief:
The BlackSky Advanced Retention and Release Device (ARRD) is a pyrotechnically activated release device. It is most commonly used to provide dual-deployment from a single compartment but can also be used to secure and release just about anything (i.e. external boosters).

Construction:
The ARRD is 2.10 inches long and is 1.245 inches in diameter. It consists of a machined 7075 aluminum body into which a 17-4 stainless toggle is inserted. The base unscrews to reveal an internal piston with a tension spring and five stainless steel capture balls. The base has 1/4-28 mounting stud along with an opening for the e-match leads to pass out. There is a machined Delrin cartridge which holds .05cc of pyrodex and up to two e-matches which fits into a machined hole in the base. When assembled the toggle is held firmly by the capture balls. Ignition of the e-matches results in the piston moving up against the pressure of the tension spring and releasing the toggle and thus whatever is attached to it. The toggle has both a machined plain hole through the side and a 1/4-28 threaded hole through the top. In the picture you can see I've added a 3/16 SS quicklink to the toggle, this is not included with the ARRD.

The quality of the ARRD is top notch, BlackSky uses only high quality parts and the machining is excellent. Assembly is straight forward. Lightly lube the two o-rings. Install the e-matches into the Delrin cartridge and pass the leads out of the body base. In the Delrin cartridge is a small recess to hold the pyrodex or blackpowder charge (0.05cc) and an adhesive backed paper disk is placed over this to hold the charge. The only tricky part comes next, turn the body upside down, insert the toggle, drop in the 5 capture balls, last insert the piston (making sure the tension spring is in place) until the piston is just past the threaded section of the body. The toggle is now captured and you can screw the body back onto the base. The reason I say tricky is that in practice it usually takes more than one try to get the toggle to capture properly. However once captured properly I have never been able to get it to accidently release. The specs on the ARRD are as follows:

• Max Static Load 880lbs
• Max Release Load 100lbs
• Weight 3.3oz
• Mounting is a single 1/4-28 (NF) stainless bolt

Finishing:
The quality of the machining/finish is excellent. The instructions are adequate, consisting of an assembly detail sheet on one side and an assembly instruction sheet with an exploded view along with assembly instructions.

Summary:
Pro: Extremely well made, fairly easy to use, small size. Works well in small enclosed spaces.

Con: Can be tricky to get the toggle to capture properly. A little on the pricy side, but you get what you pay for.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5