Manchu Warrior Posted September 20, 2014 Share #1 Posted September 20, 2014 I picked this up at the flea market today. It was in a WWII dated waterproof bag under a table I did find out that it is called a Baseball parachute because of its shape and also that the company did make parachutes during WWII but not much else. Is this WWII or even military? The printed part isn't as flat as I thought it was when I took the photo. It says Baseball G.T.M. AAF45- 285 208 and it is 24 feet across.That is a pair of size 12 Desert Boots down in the left hand corner. And I hope that AAF stands for the obvious choice. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter Posted September 20, 2014 Share #2 Posted September 20, 2014 Looks like 'AAF', Army Air Force? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manchu Warrior Posted September 20, 2014 Author Share #3 Posted September 20, 2014 Thanks firefighter and I know someone else on this forum knows a thing or two about parachutes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WWII Parachutist Posted September 21, 2014 Share #4 Posted September 21, 2014 It does indeed look like the baseball parachute. These first examined by the AAF in 1941 and were tested throughout the war. They were ultimately deemed unsatisfactory, as shaped canopies like the baseball chute did not equally distribute opening shock loads, and took an excessive amount of time to open. The serial number corresponds to fiscal year 1945. This is most likely an experimental sample. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manchu Warrior Posted September 21, 2014 Author Share #5 Posted September 21, 2014 It does indeed look like the baseball parachute. These first examined by the AAF in 1941 and were tested throughout the war. They were ultimately deemed unsatisfactory, as shaped canopies like the baseball chute did not equally distribute opening shock loads, and took an excessive amount of time to open. The serial number corresponds to fiscal year 1945. This is most likely an experimental sample. I guess it was worth the $5.00 that I paid for it, correct? The information is also much appreciated. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattsmilitary Posted September 21, 2014 Share #6 Posted September 21, 2014 that's a cool aaf piece. Great find! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WWII Parachutist Posted September 22, 2014 Share #7 Posted September 22, 2014 I guess it was worth the $5.00 that I paid for it, correct? The information is also much appreciated. Thanks! Indeed! You did very well on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manchu Warrior Posted September 23, 2014 Author Share #8 Posted September 23, 2014 Indeed! You did very well on it. Thanks!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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