Suspension Lines
Suspension lines are the lines that connect the
parachute canopy to the parachute harness. The
suspension lines form a net or skeleton for the canopy.
This skeleton absorbs much of the parachute opening
shock. Suspension lines are made of nylon and are used
on all main canopies. Suspension lines consist of an
outer covering and several inner cords called the core.
The core provides the greater portion of the strength of
the suspension lines. The suspension lines run
continuously between connector links on either side of
the canopy.
Canopy
The 28-foot, rip-stop nylon parachute canopy (fig.
11-9) is commonly used in Navy parachutes. The
canopy has 28 sides and a diameter of 28 feet. Each side
is called a gore and is made up of four sections of fabric.
This parachute has the following characteristics:
Each gore section is identified by the letters A,
B, C, and D, starting with the bottom section.
Each section is cut at a 45-degree angle to the
center
line
of
the
gore.
This
is
called
"bias
construction," and it provides maximum strength and
elasticity.
The suspension lines are enclosed in the channel
produced by the stitches of the radial seams.
A vent opening in the top of the parachute acts as
a relief valve and relieves the high internal pressure
within the parachute at the instant of opening. Without
this vent, an opening at high speed could tear the
canopy.
The canopy is manufactured in four colored
sections of fabric to aid a downed crewman in either
concealing or signaling his location. The four colors are
white, orange, tan, and green.
11-7
BEFORE ASSEMBLING SUSPENSION LINES
LENGTH OF SUSPENSION LINES ACROSS
VENT SHALL BE 17" WHEN LINE IS UNDER
TENSION SPECIFIED FOR MARKING
A-PANEL
OR NO. 1
SECTION
OUTSIDE OF HEM AFTER FOLDING
SEW FABRIC TO EACH CORD ON
ZIG-ZAG MACHINE AS INDICATED
ALLOW 1/2 PUCKER
IN FABRIC BETWEEN
ZIG-ZAG STITCHING
DIRECTION OF
WARP PARALLEL
TO DIAGONAL SEAM
18" DIA.
D
4
C
OR
NO.3
B-PANEL
OR NO.2
SECTION
ANf1109
Figure 11-9.—The 28-foot ripstop canopy.
