Other Kinds of Parachutes

Many jet planes have very high landing speeds, so tail parachutes are used as extra brakes. Spacecraft returning to Earth have used parachutes to break their fall. For the astronauts of the 1969-1972 Apollo missions, the last stage of their journey was the slowest. They dangled in a capsule beneath bil­lowing landing parachutes that dropped the spacecraft into the ocean, thereby adding the word “splashdown” to the nation’s vocabulary.

The modern wing-parachute or parafoil is highly maneuverable, and parachute jumping has now become an international, competitive sport for indi­vidual jumpers and teams. Freefall sky­diving is a thrilling spectacle at air shows and also has become an enjoyable recreation for many enthusiasts.

SEE ALSO:

• Barnstorming • Ejection Seat

• Skydiving • Takeoff and Landing

_____________________________________________ J