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A parachute is a device used to slow the motion of an object through an atmosphere by creating drag or aerodynamic lift. A major application is to support people, for recreation or as a safety device for aviators, who can exit from an aircraft at height and descend safely to earth. A parachute is usually made of a light, strong fabric.
"Pal", a German Shepherd, being fitted for a parachute harness at the War Dog Reception and Training Center in San Carlos, California, 1944. Since early in the history of flight, non-human animals have been dropped from heights with the benefit of parachutes. Early on, animals were used as test subjects for parachutes and as entertainment.
The oldest civilian parachute club in the world is The Irish Parachute Club, founded in 1956 by Freddie Bond and located in Clonbullogue, Co. Offaly, Ireland. [65] The oldest civilian parachute club in the USA is The Peninsula Skydivers Skydiving Club, founded in 1962 by Hugh Bacon Bergeron, located in West Point, VA, [66]
In June 1942, Adeline Grey was the first person to successfully test the human-rated parachute. This led to Pioneer becoming the world's leading manufacturer of parachutes, producing 300 per day at the height of WWII. A Canadian subsidiary The Pioneer Parachute Company of Canada Ltd operated in Smiths Falls, Ontario. Canada from 1954 until 1962.
The Parachute Board determined the backpack chute was crowding the cockpit, a redesign moved the parachute down the pilots back becoming the "seat style" chute. [15] The McCook Field team tested the Type A parachute with over 1000 jumps. These successful tests resulted in the Army requiring parachute use on all Air Service flights. [16] [3]
Franz Reichelt (16 October 1878 – 4 February 1912), also known as Frantz Reichelt [1] or François Reichelt, was an Austro-Hungarian-born [2] French tailor, inventor and parachuting pioneer, now sometimes referred to as the Flying Tailor, who is remembered for jumping to his death from the Eiffel Tower while testing a wearable parachute of his own design.
André-Jacques Garnerin was born in Paris. During the first phase of the French Revolutionary Wars (1792–1797), he was captured by British troops. Subsequently, he was turned over to the Austrians and held as a prisoner of war in Buda, Hungary, for three years.
As experienced manufacturers and inspectors of parachutes, his company advertised their pioneer parachute and their inspection, repair and repackaging service. He was a supplier of specialized parachutes for both commercial and military aircraft, and a provider of parachute engineering service and repair for the aircraft manufacturing industry ...