Ripcord (skydiving)

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A ripcord is a part of a skydiving harness-container system; a handle attached to a steel cable ending in a closing pin. The pin keeps the container closed and keeps the spring-loaded pilot chute inside. When the ripcord is pulled, the container is opened and the pilot chute is released, opening the parachute. On tandem systems the ripcord releases the 3-ring release system anchoring the bridle to the harness-container, allowing the parachute to open.

The ripcord was invented in 1914 by Tiny Broadwick. [1]

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References

  1. "Georgia "Tiny" Broadwick's Parachute". National Air and Space Museum. 2015-03-12. Retrieved 2017-06-21.