line slide disconnect pin in position prior to
operation.
TAB, END—An oval metal fitting secured
to each flap of seat-type, Martin-Baker and
chest-type parachute containers. The end tabs
fit over the cones and secure the end flaps
in a closed position until the locking pins are
pulled.
TACK (HAND TACK)—To attach tempo-
rarily prior to final sewing and to tie temporarily
as an aid in positioning. Also, to permanently
secure portions of a parachute together; for
example, the attachment of a seat cushion to a
parachute container assembly.
TACK, BUTTERFLY—The type of tacking
used in securing the riser assembly to the NC-3
container. See also TACK.
TAPE—A narrow woven ribbon of cotton,
linen, nylon, or other material.
TAPE, FILAMENT—An adhesive tape with
fiber cords in the backing. The cords are usually
fiber glass, nylon, linen, or other high—strength
material. This tape has high tensile strength along
the lengthwise direction.
TAPE, HOOK—Strip of nylon tape with
small nylon hooks on one side. Hook tape is used
with pile tape as a fastener.
TAPE, PILE—A strip of nylon tape with
small nylon loops on one side. Pile tape is used
with hook tape as a fastener.
TAPE, SURGICAL—A white linen or cotton
tape with adhesive on one side. Commonly called
adhesive tape.
TEAR STRENGTH—The average force,
expressed pounds, required to continue a tear
either across the filling or warp of cloth.
TEMPLATE—A pattern or gauge commonly
in the form of a thin plate of cardboard, wood,
or metal. It is used as a guide in the layout or
cutting of flat work.
TENSILE STRENGTH—The greatest stress
cloth can withstand along its length without
rupturing, expressed as a number of pounds per
square inch (of cross section).
TERMINAL END FITTING—The end of the
automatic parachute ripcord release arming cable
that connects to the ejection seat, lap belt, or other
designated point. See also CABLE, ARMING,
and AUTOMATIC PARACHUTE RIPCORD
RELEASE.
THIN SPOT (Suspension Line)—A condition
whereby the diameter of the suspension line as
seen visually is less than other portions of the
suspension line. This condition is normally caused
by broken inner cord yarn(s) or an improper
overlap.
THREAD, SEPARATION—A bunching of
threads in cloth, leaving a hole or separation in
the cloth. A thread separation can run either with
the warp or filling of a cloth.
TIE, RIPCORD PIN RETAINING—A low-
strength thread or cord used specifically to prevent
ripcord pins from creeping and possibly causing
inadvertent opening.
TIGHT STITCHES—Thread under excess
tension, causing one sewing thread to lie on the
surface of the cloth or causing puckering of the
cloth .
TOOL, PACK CLOSING—An aid to clos-
ing the LW-3B parachute assembly container.
It is used to align the grommets over locking
cones.
TORSO HARNESS SUIT—A combination
of webbing and a torso suit that includes
the parachute harness, lap belt, shoulder belt,
and life vest attachment fittings. See also
HARNESS.
TORQUE—A force or combination of forces
that tend to produce a rotating or twisting motion.
Torque is often expressed in inch-pounds or
foot-pounds. A torque wrench is used to apply
a measured torque.
TOTAL LIFE—Total life is the period of time
commencing with the date of manufacture that
an item may be retained in a packaged, out-of-
service condition and remain acceptable for
service.
TUBE, GUIDE—A narrow tube used to guide
the vane-type pilot parachute grommet over its
locking cone.
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