Reported By: Rob Hughes (rhughes@kswt.com)

Winterhaven, CA/Yuma, AZ- October 19- Hundreds worldwide are in Yuma for a parachute technology convention. The convention, held at the Quechan Casino and Yuma Proving Ground, showcases technology that is saving lives while keeping America safe.

450 defense contractors, companies, and military leaders from 20 countries, including the United States, are in the Desert Southwest to see the Precision Airdrop Technology of the future.

"This is a great opportunity for everyone to get together and talk about the emerging technology and state of the art technology, and converse on what needs to be out in the field, and what needs to be accomplished," said Robyn Tiaden, Team Leader for Yuma Proving Ground's Air Delivery Systems.

Tiaden and her team are hosting the event, and explains that the technology helps protect troops on the ground because it has computer technology with GPS receivers.

"Instead of having to do a convoy to a remote location, they can send some of this equipment, and send them the resupply stuff that they need to very remote locations, and save some of those convoys; there's a lot of IED trouble and stuff like that in the convoys, so this will really help them out with that," said Tiaden.

Meanwhile, Chuck Wullenjohn, YPG Public Affairs Officer, describes how the technology also protects military planes from anti-aircraft fire.

"They drop the loads, and then the loads, because they have the computer smarts, steer themselves to a very precise landing, exactly where you want it to go," said Wullenjohn.

Wullenjohn says the conference is growing every year because experts are confident this technology is second to none.

"Many, many countries are looking into the technology because everybody likes it, it's great for humanitarian operations, it's great for military applications, because it saves lives, and it guarantees the delivery of goods where they need to go," said Wullenjohn.

The event also brings thousands of dollars into the local economy.