How Do Parachutes Work?

November 10, 2020

How Do Parachutes Work?

 

Not many of us are brave enough to jump out of a perfectly good aircraft or airplane, and even fewer of us have done so while serving our country in training or combat operations.

 

At HEAVENDROPt, we are in awe of our military paratroopers who risk their lives during combat to secure a strategic advantage. All of our products, including tote bags, hammocks, bracelets, bandanas, key chains and necklaces use authentic military parachutes that we’ve upcycled.  Every one of the over 70,000 pounds of parachutes within our Largo, Florida warehouse have an incredible story to tell.  And, we believe the story starts by explaining how these parachutes work and how they keep our paratroopers safe.

 

Paratroopers use static line parachutes when jumping from low altitudes (400 feet). The cord known as the static line is attached to the aircraft at one end and to the top of the jumper’s deployment bag in which the parachute canopy is packed. When a paratrooper jumps from the aircraft, the static line tightens and pulls the deployment bag out of the container on the jumper’s back. The parachute canopy inflates with the air forced into the canopy trailing behind the jumper. This allows the paratrooper to safely fall to the ground or other target.

 

The science of air resistance is what helps the parachute guide the paratrooper safely to earth.  Paratroopers travel very fast once they jump from the aircraft. These amazing soldiers are falling like a stone with a high terminal velocity. When the paratrooper opens the parachute, it creates lots of air resistance. In other words, the parachute dramatically lowers the jumper’s terminal velocity by increasing the air resistance during the fall. These parachutes are designed to reduce the terminal velocity by 90 percent, so the jumpers hit the ground at a safe speed.

 

There is quite a bit of science behind what our paratroopers and their parachutes do.  And, we are thrilled to capture their spirit within our unique products featuring these incredible military parachutes.

 

HEAVENDROPt is a social enterprise of Evergreen Life Services, and employs both veterans and individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Purchasing products from HEAVENDROPt not only allows you to have an amazing functional piece of military history, it also allows you to help our mission of providing meaningful work experiences with those with disabilities.

 

To learn more about our mission, view our amazing yet affordable products, and discover how we serve veterans and people with disabilities by providing vocational training through upcycling authentic military parachutes, visit heavendropt.org and evergreenls.org.

 

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