Parachute

Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) paratroopers jump from a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft over Bangladesh during exercise Cope South 14 Nov. 10, 2013 131110-F-SI013-240

Conical Parachute, 1470s, British Museum Add. MSS 34,113, fol. 200v

Homo Volans

Early flight 02561u (3)

Early flight 02561u (4)

FirstParachute

Parachute is a device used to slow the motion of an object through an atmosphere by creating drag. Parachutes are commonly used to slow the descent of a person or object to the Earth's surface after being dropped from an airplane or other high place. The concept of the parachute has been around for centuries, with early versions being made from materials such as silk and canvas. Modern parachutes are made from high-strength fabric and are used in a wide range of applications from military operations to recreational skydiving.

History

The idea of the parachute has been present since medieval times, with early designs sketched by Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century. However, it wasn't until the 18th century that practical parachute designs began to appear. In 1783, Louis-Sébastien Lenormand demonstrated the principle of the parachute by jumping from a tree with two umbrellas. The first recorded free-fall parachute jump is credited to André-Jacques Garnerin in 1797, who jumped from a hot air balloon.

Design and Operation

A parachute consists of several key components: the canopy, suspension lines, the harness/container system, and sometimes a pilot chute. The canopy, usually made of nylon or other durable materials, is the part of the parachute that catches the air and creates drag. The suspension lines connect the canopy to the harness, which the jumper wears. The pilot chute is a small auxiliary parachute used to deploy the main or reserve parachute.

The operation of a parachute begins with its deployment, which can be initiated manually by the jumper or automatically at a certain altitude. Once deployed, the parachute's canopy inflates with air, creating drag and slowing the descent of the jumper. The jumper can control their direction and speed somewhat by pulling on the suspension lines and manipulating the shape of the canopy.

Types of Parachutes

There are several types of parachutes, designed for different purposes:

- Round Parachutes: The original parachute design, round parachutes are still used for certain military applications and emergency systems. - Ram-air Parachutes: Also known as square parachutes, these are the most common type used in sport skydiving. They are steerable and offer greater control over speed and direction. - Tandem Parachutes: Used in tandem skydiving, where a student and instructor are attached together under a single large parachute. - Reserve Parachutes: All skydiving rigs include a reserve parachute, which is used in the event that the main parachute fails.

Uses

Parachutes are used in a variety of contexts beyond recreational skydiving. The military uses parachutes for deploying personnel, equipment, and even vehicles from aircraft. Parachutes are also used in space missions to slow spacecraft on re-entry to Earth's atmosphere or when landing on other planets. Additionally, parachutes are used in emergency situations to safely evacuate people from aircraft or tall buildings.

Safety

While parachuting is generally safe when performed correctly, there are inherent risks. Equipment failure, although rare, can occur, and proper training is essential to manage risks. Skydivers are trained to handle various scenarios, including parachute malfunctions and free-fall emergencies.

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