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5.
Opening Characteristics: Ram-Air Parachute
After the activation of the parachute deployment sequence by either ripcord or static line, the
parachute canopy will deploy within seconds and begin performing as designed.
The parachute opening takes place in 3 phases:
Phase1: The container opens. The spring of the auxiliary pilot parachute, which is under
tension, is released and immediately transports the pilot parachute into the air
flow. It then pulls the inner pack tray (aka freebag), which houses the packed
parachute, out of the container.
Phase 2: The canopy is extracted from the freebag and cells start to inflate.
Phase 3: The canopy is now open, inflated and fully functional.
Note: The auxiliary pilot parachute and freebag are separated from the system during phase
2 and drift to the ground independently.
Pic 5.1
Canopy inflating (scheme)
Pic 5.2
Canopy fully inflated
