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Parachutes Have a Long History of Development and Designs
from: Maxx Sports GuidesFor skydivers and parachute enthusiasts, the thrill of free falling in the sky and landing softly on the ground is undeniably an adrenaline pumping experience.
The parachute is the most important element involved in this sport. With the right materials, even kids can make homemade parachutes.
However, a real one is a totally different story. Parachutes, which have a long history, have been made of different materials throughout their years of development. Different types of parachutes have been used throughout history.
Thanks to several daredevils, parachutes are now much safer to use today than they were even a few decades ago.
However, before you rush out for your first skydiving lessons get to know what parachutes are to ensure your safety. If your parachute doesn't deploy the way it should, it will be fatal for you.
Slow Down Descent
The word parachute means "against the fall", and it's designed to slow the motion of an object. Normally people use it to slow down their descent to earth or to other celestial bodies. It can also be used to slow down the descent of other objects into the atmosphere.
They can help a skydiver decelerate vertically, as well as horizontally. Drogue parachutes are used to slow down fixed wing aircrafts and drag racers.
Different materials have been used for parachutes throughout the years. The first one was made of a cloak with wooden struts. This particular conical shaped parachute was similar to a design found in sketches by Italy's Renaissance artist-inventor Leonardo da Vinci.
A rigid parasol was used in China for entertainment. Modern designs are made of nylon, with "rip stop" and "zero porosity" technology. Rip stop involves a weave pattern that prevents the parachute from tearing and ripping apart when used. The zero porosity technology prevents the air from passing through the fabric.
History of Parachutes
The first modern design was invented by Louis-Sebastien Lenormand in 1783. At that time it was thought to be used as a means for getting off a hot air balloon.
In the 19th century the parachute was used for military purposes. Artillery spotters in World War 1 were secured to observation balloons. In World War II they were used for surprise attacks by soldiers landing behind enemy lines.
The first modern designs where round and usually used by paratroopers when they were deployed by an aircraft. These were usually drag devices, which weren't manoeuvrable and provided no lift. These were replaced by square ones through the Advance Tactical Parachute System.
Another variation of the round parachutes is the annular and pull apex. It's a round parachute with suspension lines to the campy apex. A fabric can be removed at the apex to open a hole that releases the air and provides annular geometry.
A similar design is the ribbon and ring parachutes designed to deploy at high speeds. They have ring shaped canopies with a hole in the center to release the pressure.
The most commonly one used today is the Ram-air parachute. It has parafoils with the same capabilities as paragliders, enabling the person to control the speed and direction for a soft landing.
Ram-air parachutes are used for skydiving and recreational purposes. They also have reserves for emergency and are packed in such a way that will guarantee proper deployment.
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