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Aviation History
1933
1933 - 0512.PDF
FLIGHT, SEPTEMBER 7, 1933 > MANUFACTURING IRVIN PARACHUTES FOR THE R.A.F. r HE number of lives saved by parachutes is by now very large, and the parachute has become such a commonplace part of aircraft equipment that one is apt merely to take it for granted without giving a thought to the care taken during its manufacture, or to the exacting requirements under which the parachute is made. We approached Irving Air Chute of Great Britain, Ltd., for permission to photograph the manufacturing and testing methods in force at their works at Letch- worth, and this permission was readily granted. The result is shown in the accompanying ''Flight" photographs Fig. 1:—Cutting silk panels with electric cutter to a pattern lined out on the table. Ninety-six panels are required for each parachute. The silk is English manufacture. Enough is cut for 13 chutes. Fig. 2:—Sewing the panels together with silk thread in electrically-driven Singer machines. Twenty-four sections comprise a canopy, each containing four panels, the latter being of differ ent size and shape. Sixty yards of silk are required for one canopy. Note the bobbins of silk thread feed ing the machines. THE FINISHED PRODUCT : On the left a number of pilots and observers wearing their Irvin parachutes, and on the right two parachutists making a descent. (FLIGHT Photos.) Fig. 3:—Making the Pilot Chute, which is attached to the parachute apex. Inserting the spring steel frame in the pockets of the silk and tacking the legs round the base of the spring. Pilot Chute is 30 in. dia., is packed last, and emerges first. Fig. 4:—Sewing the cotton canvas container which carries the canopy. When cut to pattern it resembles an open envelope, and contains simple § ; I » i&f 6 lam gk ._.; •• • • _^g_ - ! | MLrf 4KH j^p / ^| i ~ lltW^J*iiI w- '":J*3n m <m Mi 1 900
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