Sparty On Posted May 29, 2013 Share #1 Posted May 29, 2013 This small parachute came in a recent lot but I'm not sure what it would have been used for? I was hoping someone could shed some light on this. The square frame in the last photo measures about 12" x 12". Link to post Share on other sites
Sparty On Posted May 29, 2013 Author Share #2 Posted May 29, 2013 Maker mark... Link to post Share on other sites
Sparty On Posted May 29, 2013 Author Share #3 Posted May 29, 2013 View from the "inside"... Link to post Share on other sites
pararaftanr2 Posted May 29, 2013 Share #4 Posted May 29, 2013 Sparty On, Your item is a "pilot parachute" from a USAAF B-8 back type parachute. To quote the manual (T.O. NO. 13-5-5, September 10, 1943): "To facilitate the opening of the canopy, a small parachute (36-inch diameter), known as a pilot parachute, is attached to the apex of the canopy. When the rip cord is pulled, the pilot parachute is projected into the airstream and immediately filled with air,drawing the canopy out of the pack into position for opening." "Parachute B-8 is equipped with pilot parachute, drawing No. 43G14996." Hope this helps. Best regards, Paul Link to post Share on other sites
Sparty On Posted May 29, 2013 Author Share #5 Posted May 29, 2013 Hello Paul, It's makes perfect sense and I thought it may have something to do with that. Thanks for the info! Mime Link to post Share on other sites
northcoastaero Posted May 29, 2013 Share #6 Posted May 29, 2013 There is a book called The Parachute Manual Vol. 1 by Dan Poynter. It is a great reference source with part numbers. This pilot chute may be for other parachute assy's. also? Link to post Share on other sites
rr01 Posted May 30, 2013 Share #7 Posted May 30, 2013 There is a book called The Parachute Manual Vol. 1 by Dan Poynter. It is a great reference source with part numbers. This pilot chute may be for other parachute assy's. also? I agree, that's pretty big to be the pilot chute for a reserve canopy. Link to post Share on other sites
pararaftanr2 Posted May 30, 2013 Share #8 Posted May 30, 2013 Mime, You are very welcome. Glad to be of help. rr01, Just to be clear, this is for a back type parachute, not a reserve. The excellent 303rd Bomb Group web site has a page on parachutes which shows an unpacked B-8 with the pilot chute both folded and open. The photos are copyrighted, but here is a link to the page: http://www.303rdbg.com/uniforms-gear7.html Best regards, Paul Link to post Share on other sites
rr01 Posted May 30, 2013 Share #9 Posted May 30, 2013 Mime, You are very welcome. Glad to be of help. rr01, Just to be clear, this is for a back type parachute, not a reserve. The excellent 303rd Bomb Group web site has a page on parachutes which shows an unpacked B-8 with the pilot chute both folded and open. The photos are copyrighted, but here is a link to the page: http://www.303rdbg.com/uniforms-gear7.html Best regards, Paul Okay, thanks. I don't know why I fixated on reserves since I just finished "Silken Angels" about the early testing of bailout chutes. Link to post Share on other sites
Sparty On Posted May 30, 2013 Author Share #10 Posted May 30, 2013 Paul, That's a great link, BTW! Mike Link to post Share on other sites
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