Skydiving Parachutes—What Are They Made Of?

Skydiving can never be accomplished without the use of skydiving parachutes. Every skydiver or jumper must know everything about skydiving parachutes before a student can proceed to learning other skills necessary in this extreme sport. Skydiving parachutes or simply parachutes are the most essential requirement in this sport. Even if the all other gadgets and gears and present, everything will be useless in the absence of parachutes.

Parachute is generally made of a special fabric that has strong wind resistance, which is used in slowing the movement of a flying object attached to it. Another type of parachutes like the Drogue is utilized in descending much heavier objects like vehicles. This kind parachute is used in special and rare occasion.

The first production of parachute was made form silk fabric. With the advancement of technology everything has improved including the materials that make-up a parachute. During World War II, nylon fabric replaced the silk fabric in manufacturing parachutes, which are proven to be much stronger compares with the old material.

At present, skydiving parachutes are made of low-stretch fabrics. These fabrics are carefully researched to provide stronger and more durable material for a parachute. Most materials are synthetic-based with different components.

Dacron is also known as polyethylene terephtalate, which is made from thermoplastic polymer substance, which is also used in the production of synthetic fibers. Beverage and food containers are also made from this synthetic material. Sails of sailboats are also made from the same fabric.

Spectra is also popularly known as Dyneema. This synthetic-based fiber is made of “ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, which is commonly as UHMWPE. This fabric is considered stronger than steel fifteen times more. The material is used in the manufacture bulletproof vests. Other uses include strings in bows, fishing threads, sails, and material for mountain climbing.

Kevlar is actually a brand name of famous synthetics manufacturer the Du Pont Company. Kevlar fabric is made from a very strong fiber otherwise known as aramid, which is known to be highly fire resistant and a sturdy synthetic fabric. This material has been around in 1970s, which was used in the military operation as a material for bulletproof production.

Vectran is manufactured using “liquid crystal polymer”. This fabric can withstand high temperature and can resist the effects of moisture. The material can also be used for ultraviolet ray protection and can prevent the flow of water. Vectran is an excellent material in the production of parachutes because of its known characteristics.

Parachutes may soon improve as far as the material used is concerned. With the advent of modern technology we can only wait what is next to come. Isn’t that something to look forward to?