Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
MIL-G-16491
N/A
As marked
Container closure systems, 3-ring
risers, deployment bags
Rolled rim spur grommets are the
most common grommets used in
modern parachute systems.
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
PIA-H-7750
N/A
ID approximately .375"
Military parachute assemblies
Brass or steel ferrules
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
V-F-106, AN229
N/A
N/A
Some military containers, carry
bags, jumpsuits
Most modern zippers are polyester
though they are still referred to as
Nylon. Metal zippers are used
where significant strength is
required. Zipper comes in rolls and
can be cut to fit.
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
Commercial
N/A
ID approximately .26"
Most modern sport systems
Brass or steel ferrules
Figure 3-93. Grommets.
Figure 3-95. Housing, flexible, ripcord.
Figure 3-94. Interlocking slide fasteners (zippers).
Figure 3-96. Housing, flexible, ripcord.
Miscellaneous
The miscellaneous category includes remaining items that
do not fit in any of the other categories. They fall somewhat
under the category of hardware, but are not load-bearing
type hardware like legstrap friction adaptors or hip rings.
Most of the these items are made of stamped metal rather
than forged steel. The plastic-looking, nylon “SR-Type
Snaps” are used on gear bags, helmets, and as temporary
holds for things such as tandem passenger drogue release
handles. [Figures 3-102 through 3-118]
Chapter Summary
Material identification and understanding of its functional
application is one of the most important aspects of becoming
a parachute rigger. In order to properly inspect and recertify
equipment—which is the rigger’s primary task—one has
to be able to recognize when a material is worn beyond its
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
Commercial
N/A
.18" – .20" ID
3-ring release systems
Brass ferrules
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
A. 55A6480
B. MS70107 (61C4304)
Subjected to 8 lb bend test
N/A
Ripcords and life raft releases
N/A
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
A. Commercial; B. 3516AS8410;
C. Commercial; D. MS70106
Pull-tested to 40 lb min.
As marked
Ripcord assemblies
A. Modern trapezoidal or “D”;
B. Martin Baker; C. Mini Helwedge;
D. Cloverleaf
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
A. MS70093
B. MS20664
A. 736 lb
B. 920 lb
N/A
Ripcords
N/A
Figure 3-97. Housing, flexible, 3-ring. Figure 3-99. A. Pin, ripcord, terminal; B. Pin, ripcord, intermediate.
Figure 3-98. Handle, steel, ripcord.
Figure 3-100. A. Ball, terminal; B. Ball and shank.
required strength or if the wrong material has been selected
to make a repair.
New high-tech fabrics are continually being explored,
especially in the area of canopy connector lines and canopy
cloth. Great improvements have been made in the reduction of
permeability of canopy fabrics. Permeability is a measure of
the ease with which a fluid (air in this case) can move through
the fabric. Various forms of silicone and polyurethane
coatings are used to create what we call in the vernacular,
“Zero-P.” Generally, coated canopy cloth is referred to as 0
cfm (cubic foot per minute), and uncoated canopy cloth is
referred to as 0-3 cfm. When we speak of porosity, we are
referring to a measure of the tiny open spaces in the weave of
the fabric. As canopy fabric wears, it becomes more porous
and the permeability increases.
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
MIL-W-5424
920 lb
N/A
Ripcord cable
N/A
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
1/16" 7×7 galvanized, nylon coated
to 1/8"
N/A
Shiny black
Pinless main ripcords for student
systems
The nylon coating is very hard to
prevent the loop from cutting into
the coating.
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
3/32" 7×7 galvanized, nylon coated
to 5/32"
N/A
Translucent
Main static line flex-pin, tandem
release cables
Softer nylon than the black cable
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
1/16" 7×7 galvanized, Lolon F
coated to 1/8"
N/A
Yellow color
3-ring release cables
Some are marked with “RW” on
cable; must be oiled monthly
Figure 3-101. 7×7 stainless steel corrosion resistant cable.
Figure 3-102B. Black pinless r/c cable.
Figure 3-102A. Static line cable.
Figure 3-102C. Lolon 3-ring cable.
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
1/16" 7×7 galvanized, FEP Teflon
coated to 1/8"
N/A
Red or orange in color
3-ring release cables and drogue
release cables
No need for oiling
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
Commercial, stainless steel
N/A
N/A
A. Throw-out pilot chute bridles
B. Pull-out pilot chute bridles
N/A
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
N/A
N/A
N/A
3-ring release cables and various
release cables
A. 3/32"
B. 3/16"
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
A. NPU 56-039
B. MS27763
N/A
MS27763 has three notches in the
base
NPU 56-039 used with Navy
stiffeners MS27763 used on many
MS27763 is the most common
cone used
Figure 3-103. Teflon 3-ring cable.
Figure 3-105. A. Release pin, curved; B. Release pin, straight.
Figure 3-104. Nicopress swage, 3⁄32" and 3⁄16". Figure 3-106. Cones.
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
A. 43A21915
B. MS90295
N/A
N/A
Military container systems and pack
opening bands (POB)
These are the standard combination
used with POBs and eyes
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
53B7105
N/A
As marked
Used with MA-1 pilot chutes
N/A
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
A. AN 6572
B. MS70092
N/A
N/A
A. Navy seat packs
B. Army chest packs
N/A
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
MIL-R-1832E
45 lb new
Tan in color, 4 sizes:
1-¼" × 3/8" × .062";
1-½" × 3/8" × .062";
2" × 3/8" × .062";
2" × 5/8" × .062"
Securing line stows
Manufactured by Keener Rubber Co
Figure 3-107. A. Eyes; B. Hooks.
Figure 3-109. Disc assembly, pilot chute ejector.
Figure 3-108. End tabs. Figure 3-110. Rubber bands, parachute suspension line.
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
Commercial
N/A
11.0R
Securing ripcord housings
N/A
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
60A113C29-1
N/A
As marked
NB-6 and NB-8 Navy back
parachutes
N/A
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
Commercial
N/A
0809/2
Securing 3-ring housings
N/A
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
56C6392
N/A
As marked
Air Force parachutes, B-12, etc.
N/A
Figure 3-111. Clamp, housing, single. Figure 3-113. Stiffener, housing, Navy.
Figure 3-112. Clamp, housing, double. Figure 3-114. Stiffener, housing, Air Force.
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
Commercial
N/A
N/A
Reserve pilot chutes
N/A
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
Commercial
N/A
As marked
Used on CYPRES® locking loops
and main locking loops
N/A
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
Dwg.#53C7207
28 pounds when compressed to
within 1-inch
N/A
Reserve pilot chutes, main pilot
chutes
Commercial use with mesh lower
and 0-3 cfm upper surface
Specification:
Strength:
Identification:
Common Use:
Comment:
Commercial
N/A
As marked
Lightweight, non-load bearing uses
A. Sidelock; B. Adjuster.
Figure 3-115. Cylindrical spring, pilot chute.
Figure 3-117. Washers, locking, loop.
Figure 3-116. MA-1 Spring, pilot chute.
Figure 3-118. Nylon hardware.