AirMechanic Posted May 11, 2010 Share #1 Posted May 11, 2010 Does anyone have a picture of a WWII issue paratrooper's drop rope (the kind they used to climb down if they were stuck in a tree, etc)? Was there anything special about these ropes that differentiated them from other rope of the time period (were they marked, were they a certain length/thickness)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retired Posted May 12, 2010 Share #2 Posted May 12, 2010 Does anyone have a picture of a WWII issue paratrooper's drop rope (the kind they used to climb down if they were stuck in a tree, etc)? Was there anything special about these ropes that differentiated them from other rope of the time period (were they marked, were they a certain length/thickness)? Look on Page 56 of AMERICA'S FINEST by Gary Howard. There are photos of both the first and second patterns of rope. The first pattern was made of unbleached plaited cotton and was 3/8" in diameter and 33 feet long. It was discovered that this rope was too slippery, so the second pattern was developed. It was 5/8" in diameter and also 33 feet long. It was of a looser weave to provide a better grip. I have a second pattern rope that will take some doing to get to. Tomorrow I will try to get it out and photo it for you. Retired Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retired Posted May 13, 2010 Share #3 Posted May 13, 2010 Look on Page 56 of AMERICA'S FINEST by Gary Howard. There are photos of both the first and second patterns of rope. The first pattern was made of unbleached plaited cotton and was 3/8" in diameter and 33 feet long. It was discovered that this rope was too slippery, so the second pattern was developed. It was 5/8" in diameter and also 33 feet long. It was of a looser weave to provide a better grip. I have a second pattern rope that will take some doing to get to. Tomorrow I will try to get it out and photo it for you. Retired Here is the photo of the second pattern parachutist's rope that I promised. This one is in unused condition and has never even been uncoiled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AirMechanic Posted May 13, 2010 Author Share #4 Posted May 13, 2010 That's really cool, I've never seen one before. Thanks for the pic! :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
517th Posted May 13, 2010 Share #5 Posted May 13, 2010 Here is one in its package........517th Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
General Apathy Posted May 13, 2010 Share #6 Posted May 13, 2010 Here is one in its package........517th Hi 517th, nice photo of a Cushman saddle under that package of old rope. :thumbsup: Cheers Lewis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
517th Posted May 13, 2010 Share #7 Posted May 13, 2010 Trust you to recognise it , as you can see its still here ...........517th Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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