ANSI/AIAA

S-017A-2000

Standard

Aerodynamic Decelerator and Parachute

Drawings

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 ANSI/AIAA
S-017A-2000

American National Standard

Aerodynamic Decelerator and Parachute

Drawings

Sponsor
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Approved 16 May 2001

American National Standards Institute

Adopted 23 April 2001

Department of Defense

Abstract
This AIAA Standard establishes terminology for 260 terms critical to communication about the
design and function of parachutes. It further sets requirements for the graphic description of
materials, stitching, seams, view, and projections, with related dimensions and tolerances, all of
which are consistent with current procurement practice. Many figures are included to illustrate
the requirements. Additional illustrations of several types of parachutes are provided in an
appendix. This drawing standard refers to federal and military specifications which, as of the
time of this revision, are either equivalent to existing commercial specifications or are in the
process of being converted to commercial specifications. The federal or military specification
should be considered a reference only.
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

American Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by ANSI that the
National requirements for due process, consensus, and other criteria have been met by
Standard the standards developer.
Consensus is established when, in the judgement of the ANSI Board of
Standards Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly and
materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much more than a
simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires that all
views and objections be considered, and that a concerted effort be made toward
their resolution.
The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary; their existence
does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether he has approved the
standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or using products,
processes, or procedures not conforming to the standards.
The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards and will
in no circumstances give an interpretation of any American National Standard.
Moreover, no person shall have the right or authority to issue an interpretation of
an American National Standard in the name of the American National Standards
Institute. Requests for interpretations should be addressed to the secretariat or
sponsor whose name appears on the title page of this standard.
CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised or
withdrawn at any time. The procedures of the American National Standards
Institute require that action be taken to affirm, revise, or withdraw this standard
no later than five years from the data of approval. Purchasers of American
National Standards may receive current information on all standards by calling or
writing the American National Standards Institute.

Standard for aerodynamic decelerator and parachute drawings / sponsor,

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics ; approved 16 May 2001 [by]
American National Standards Institute.
p. cm.
“ANS / AIAA S-017A-2000”
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 1-56347-466-2 (softcover) ISBN 1-56347-467-0 (electronic)
1. Parachutes--Drawings--Standards--United States. I. American
Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

TL753.S73 2000
629.134’386—dc21
99-089291
Published by
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
1801 Alexander Graham Bell Drive, Reston, VA 20191

Copyright  2001 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, in an electronic
retrieval system or otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America

ii
 ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

CONTENTS

Foreword .............................................................................................................................................vi

1.0 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 1

2.0 Definitions................................................................................................................................ 2

3.0 Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 17

3.1 Exceptions to Basic Drawing Conventions .................................................................................... 17

3.1.1 Stitching Lines ........................................................................................................................ 17

3.1.2 Hidden Lines .......................................................................................................................... 18

3.1.3 Material Thickness................................................................................................................... 19

3.1.4 Section Views......................................................................................................................... 22

3.1.5 Dimensions ............................................................................................................................ 22

3.1.6 Standard Tolerances................................................................................................................ 22

3.1.7 Stacked Dimensions ................................................................................................................ 23

3.2 General Notes ........................................................................................................................ 24

3.3 Views and Projections .............................................................................................................. 25

3.3.1 Number of Views..................................................................................................................... 25

3.3.2 Inflated Profile and Top Views.................................................................................................... 25

3.3.3 Gore Views ............................................................................................................................ 25

3.3.4 Removed Sections .................................................................................................................. 26

3.3.5 Detail Views ........................................................................................................................... 26

3.3.6 Marking Views ........................................................................................................................ 27

3.3.7 Omitted Features .................................................................................................................... 27

3.3.8 Views on Separate Sheets ........................................................................................................ 27

3.4 Seams and Stitching ................................................................................................................ 27

3.4.1 Stitch Patterns ........................................................................................................................ 27

3.4.2 Seams and Hems.................................................................................................................... 29

3.4.3 Hand Stitching ........................................................................................................................ 30

3.4.4 Stitches Per Inch Definition for Zigzag Stitching ............................................................................. 30

3.4.5 Protection from Fraying ............................................................................................................ 31

3.5 Identification Markings.............................................................................................................. 31

3.6 Finished vs. Pattern Dimensions................................................................................................. 31

3.6.1 Standard Tensions for Finished Dimensions ................................................................................. 31

3.6.2 Location of Dimensions ............................................................................................................ 31

Annex: Canopy Profile and Gore Views.................................................................................................. 33

Index ............................................................................................................................................ 47

iii
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

Figures

1 Drawing Straight Stitching ......................................................................................................... 17

2 Crossed Stitching Pattern (Box X Stitch) ...................................................................................... 17

3a Zigzag Stitching Type 304 ......................................................................................................... 18

3b Zigzag Stitching Type 308 ......................................................................................................... 18

4 Overedge Stitching .................................................................................................................. 19

5 Cutaway in Lieu of Hidden or Phantom Lines ................................................................................ 19

6 Material Thickness................................................................................................................... 20

7a Portrayal of Round Cord in Section Views .................................................................................... 20

7b Portrayal of Flat Braided Cord in Section Views ............................................................................. 21

7c Example of Portrayal of Tape Fasteners in Section Views................................................................ 21

8 Section View .......................................................................................................................... 22

9 Stacked vs. Baseline Dimensions ............................................................................................... 23

10 Third View Not Required to Define Width of Part ............................................................................ 25

11 Sample Inflated Profile View ...................................................................................................... 25

12 Top View ............................................................................................................................... 25

13 Gore Construction View ............................................................................................................ 26

14 Removed Section .................................................................................................................... 26

15a Detail View............................................................................................................................. 26

15b Detail View............................................................................................................................. 26

16 Marking View.......................................................................................................................... 27

17 Omitted Features .................................................................................................................... 27

18 Cross-Referenced Views .......................................................................................................... 27

19 Multiple Rows of Straight Stitching .............................................................................................. 28

20 Three-Point Cross Stitch ........................................................................................................... 28

21 Box Stitch .............................................................................................................................. 28

22 Box-X Stitch ........................................................................................................................... 28

23 Diamond Stitching (Multiple Point) .............................................................................................. 28

24 Zigzag Stitching (Type 304) ....................................................................................................... 28

25 Split Four-Point Cross Stitch ...................................................................................................... 28

26 Staggered Three-Point Cross Stitch ............................................................................................ 28

27 Bartack Stitch, 25 to 31 stitches per inch measured along one side of stitching .................................... 29

28 Plain Lapped Seam ................................................................................................................. 29

29 French Fell Seam .................................................................................................................... 29

30 Reinforced French Fell Seam..................................................................................................... 29

iv
 ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

31 Plain Hem.............................................................................................................................. 30

32 Plain Hem with Interior Reinforcements........................................................................................ 30

33 Rolled Hem ............................................................................................................................ 30

34 Bound Hem............................................................................................................................ 30

35 Enlarged View of Double-Throw Zigzag Stitching ........................................................................... 30

36 Location of Dimensions ............................................................................................................ 31

v
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

Foreword
The purpose of this standard is to help government and private organizations prepare parachute drawing
details in a reasonably uniform format. For parachute drawings, it offers guidelines on exceptions to basic
drawing standards; general notes; views and projections, seams and stitching, identification markings;
and finished and pattern dimensions. Every attempt has been made to base this standard on widely-
accepted usage by government and industry. By following the requirements and recommendations of this
standard, developing groups will help create consistent parachute drawings which will enhance their
usefulness in design and manufacturing applications.
This AIAA Standard was prepared by the AIAA Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems Committee on
Standards, functioning as a subcommittee of the Technical Committee of the same name. A standard
used by Sandia Laboratories was proposed as a starting point. The official DoD adoption notice is
reprinted on page vi.
The AIAA Standards Procedures provide that all approved Standards, Recommended Practices, and
Guides are advisory only. Their use by anyone engaged in industry or trade is entirely voluntary. There
is no agreement to adhere to any AIAA standards publication and no commitment to conform to or be
guided by any standards report. In formulating, revising, and approving standard publications, the
Committees on Standards will not consider patents, which may apply to the subject matter. Prospective
users of the publications are responsible for protecting themselves against liability for infringement of
patents or copyrights, or both.
A revision of this Standard was made in 1999 by the members of the Specifications and Standards Team,
comprised of:
Elsa J. Hennings, Chairman (Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, CA)
Glen Brown (Vertigo Inc., Lake Elsinor, CA)
Phil Delurgio (Irvin Aerospace, Santa Ana, CA)
Troy Loney (Vee-Dot, Inc., Mount Holly, NJ)
Tony Taylor (Irvin Aerospace, Santa Ana, CA)
Al Witkowski (Pioneer Aerospace, S. Windsor, CT)
Additional help was provided by:
Christine Hailey (Utah State Univ., Logan, UT)
Gary Thibault (US Army Natick Soldier Center, Natick, MA)
The AIAA Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems Technical Committee approved the revised draft in
December 1999. At the time of voting, the membership was:
Michael L Accorsi (University of Connecticut) Alec K. Dyatt (Edwards AFB)
Richard Almassy (Boeing) Werner Gabriel (DLR Space Operations Center)
Brent Appleby (Draper Laboratory) Bill Gargano (Quantum Parachutes, Inc.)
Andrew W. Bennett (Lockheed Martin) William L. Garrard (University of Minnesota)
Richard J. Benney (U.S. Army Soldier & Maurice P. Gionfriddo (MPG Consultants)
Biological Chemical Command)
Christine Hailey (Utah State University)
Glen Brown (Vertigo, Inc.)
Elsa Hennings (Naval Air Warfare Center)
Scott Dellicker (U.S. Army Yuma Proving
Christine A. Iacomini (NASA)
Ground)
Hamid Johari (Worcester Polytechnic Institute)
Karl-Friedrich Doherr (DLR, ret.)

vi

John Leblanc (Performance Designs, Inc.)
Daniel B. Levin (Technion ITT)
J. Stephen Lingard (Martin-Baker Aircraft, Ltd.)
Troy Loney (Consultant)
Timothy A. Lott (Textron Systems)
Andrew J. Mawn (U.S. Army Soldier & Biological
Chemical Command)
Robert E. Meyerson (Kistler Aerospace
Corporation)
Sanjay Patel (U.S. Army Soldier & Biological
Chemical Command)
The Standards Executive Council accepted the document for publication in January 2001.
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000
Jean Potvin (St. Louis University)
Sandy Reid (Rigging Innovations, Inc.)
James Ross (NASA Ames Research Center)
Tony Taylor (Irvin Aerospace, Inc.)
Robert Underwood (Lockheed Martin Aircraft
Service Co.)
Edwin Vickery (Irvin Aerospace, Inc.)
Allen Witkowski (Pioneer Aerospace Corp.)
Dean F. Wolf (Consultant)
Walter Wolfe (Sandia National Laboratories)
vii
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

ADOPTION NOTICE 1
NOTICE OF 3 January1992 for
ADOPTION ANSI/AIAA S-017-1991
20 December 1991

ANSI / AIAA S-017-1991 was adopted on 3 January 1992 and is approved for use by
the Department of Defense (DoD). Copies of this document are stocked at the
Standardization Documents Order Desk, Building 4D, 700 Robbins Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, for issue to DoD activities only. Other Government
activities, contractors, private concerns, or other requestors must obtain the document
from:

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

1430 Broadway
New York, NY 10018

or

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

1801 Alexander Bell Drive Suite 500
Reston, VA 20191-4344
or from some other authorized distributor.

Title of Document: Standard for Aerodynamic Decelerator and Parachute Drawings

Date of Specific Issue Adopted: 20 December 1991

Releasing Non-Government Standards Body: American Institute of Aeronautics and

Astronautics (AIAA)

Custodians: Military Coordinating Activity:

Army – GL Army – GL
Navy – OS
Air Force – 16 Project (DRPR – 0321)
Review Activities:
Army – AR, GL, TR
Navy – AS
Air Force – 11, 82
DLA – GS
AMSC N/A FSC DRPR

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

viii

1 Introduction
This drawing standard refers to federal and
military specifications which, as of the time of
this revision, are either equivalent to existing
commercial specifications or are in the process
of being converted to commercial specifications.
The federal or military specification should be
considered a reference only.
This Standard supplements the requirements of
Mil-T-31000, “Product Drawings and Associated
Lists,” for drawings with conventions for textile
drawings used for parachutes and components.
Uniform practices for stating and interpreting
these conventions are established herein.
Where drawings are based on this Standard,
this fact shall be noted on the drawings or in a
document referenced on the drawings.
References to this Standard shall state
"ANSI/AIAA-S-017A-2000
This Standard is intended to supplement rather
than replace Mil-Std-100 and the following
American National Standards:
American National Standard Y14.2M Line
Conventions and Lettering, New York, 1979
American National Standard Y14.3 Multi and
Sectional View Drawings, New York, 1975
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000
American National Standard Y14.5M
Dimensioning and Tolerancing, New York, 1982
American National Standard Y14.26.3
Computer-aided Preparation of Product
Definition Data (including Engineering
Drawings), Terms and Definitions, New York,
1975
The following standards and specifications are
also referenced in this Standard: Fed-Std 751,
Mil-I-6903, and Mil-F-21840. In the event of a
conflict between the text of this Standard and
the references cited, the text of this Standard
shall take precedence.
The figures in this Standard are intended only as
illustrations to aid the user in understanding the
principles and methods of representing textile
drawings given in the text. The absence of a
figure illustrating the desired application is
neither reason to assume inapplicability nor
basis for rejection of the drawing. In some
instances figures show added detail for
emphasis, in other instances figures are
incomplete by intent.
Notes herein in capital letters are intended to
appear on finished drawings. Notes in lower
case are explanatory only and are not intended
to appear on drawings. Notes as given are
generic in nature and should be adapted to the
specific end-item requirements.
1
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000
2 Definitions
The following is a glossary of parachute drafting
terms:
Accordion folding see Folding, accordion
Actuator, automatic parachute
A device that automatically withdraws the
ripcord from a parachute.
Adapter, harness strap
A rectangular metal fitting with a cross bar. It is
incorporated in a parachute harness to permit
proper adjustment of webbing.
Harness Strap Adapter
Adapter, harness, quick fit
An adapter with the fixed crossbar replaced by a
floating friction grip. The adapter is incorporated
in a harness web to permit quick adjustment.
Also called a friction adapter.
Quick Fit Harness Adapter
Adjuster see Adapter, harness
Air bags
Flexible, gas-filled bags that are inflated during
load descent and valved to release their
pressure upon ground contact to absorb impact
forces.
Airfoil
Two dimensional shape defining the chordwise
section of wing.
2
Apex
The center and topmost point of an inflated
parachute canopy.
Backstitch
Used to anchor a row of stitching by sewing
back over the end of original stitching a short
distance.
Bag, deployment
A fabric container, containing a parachute
canopy, often enclosed in a parachute pack.
Sometimes, the container or parachute pack
also serves as a deployment bag.
Ballute
A balloon-shaped ram air-inflated decelerator,
commonly used to stabilize and decelerate
bombs.
Band, lateral
A continuous circumferential tape or webbing
reinforcement sewn across the radial seams of
some canopies to limit the extent of canopy
fabric damage due to deployment or inflation
stresses.
Band, pack-opening see Elastics, pack-
opening
Band, pocket
A tape, webbing, or line attached at the outside
of the skirt, across radial seams, in a manner
that causes the gores to be pulled outward at
inflation, thus improving the opening
characteristics of the canopy. Also called a
quick-opening band or taschengurt.
Band, reinforcement
Reinforcing tape, webbing, or ribbon, located in
varied positions to reinforce weak points of
construction in a drag-producing surface.
Band, retainer
A rubber band used to hold folded suspension
lines or static lines to the deployment bag.
Band, skirt
A reinforcement tape or webbing usually sewn
into the skirt hem.
Band, vent
A reinforcement tape or webbing usually sewn
into the vent hem.

Bartack
A concentrated series of zigzag-like stitches
used to reinforce points of stress.
Bias cut
A diagonal cut across fabric; that is, at a 45-
degree angle from the warp and fill, so that the
warp and fill threads will be located at a 45-
degree angle to the vertical centerline of the
gore.
Bight see Stow.
Binding
A piece of tape or fabric folded over and stitched
to a raw edge of the fabric to prevent fraying or
raveling.
Bottom, false
A piece of pack fabric stitched to the inside of a
pack for the purpose of retaining the pack frame;
it also serves as a base for stitching of the
suspension line retaining loops.
Brakes, deployment
Used on ram air canopies, deployment brakes
are intended to prevent forward canopy surge
during opening. Lines attached to the rear
portion of the canopy are pulled down and
locked until after stable descent has been
established.
Breakcord
A thread or tape, tied between parachute
components, which is intended to break under
desired load during deployment.
Bridle
The arrangement of cords attaching the pilot
chute to the apex of one or more parachute
canopies, or to the deployment bag or bags
containing those canopies.
Buffer
Tape or webbing, usually cotton, between the
load-bearing layers of webbing and hardware,
used to prevent chafing of the webbing.
Bungee cord
An elastic cord with a braided cover.
Butterfly see V-tab.
Cable, ripcord
A flexible cable joining the locking pins and the
ripcord grip.
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000
Canopy
The portion of a parachute consisting of the
drag-producing surface (cloth area) and the
suspension lines extended to a mutual
confluence point.
Canopy release see Release, canopy.
Cascade line
A line on ram air canopies that attaches
between the upper portion of a suspension line
and the canopy for the purpose of helping to
hold the airfoil shape.
Cell
A single, inflatable chamber of a ram air canopy.
Channel, parachute canopy
The space or opening through which the
suspension lines are passed. It is formed by the
overlapping of the fabric in the main seams, or
by the addition of cover tape to the drag-
producing surface.
Chord
The distance from the leading edge to the
trailing edge of a ram air canopy.
Clevis
A U-shaped metal fitting with a hole in each end
to receive a pin or bolt. It is used on cargo
parachutes and heavy drop kits.
Clip, safety
A U-shaped metal fitting used to prevent the
accidental opening of the parachute harness
release.
Cone, pack (locking cone)
A small, cone-shaped metal post sewn to one of
the side flaps of the deployment bag, used in
conjunction with ripcord locking pins and
grommets.
Locking Cone
3
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000
Connector strap, cross
Webbing sewn or connected across the riser
webbing to prevent opening malfunctions.
Construction, bias
A type of construction for drag-producing
surfaces in which the fabric is cut and arranged
in the gores so that the yarns and seams make
an angle of other than 90 degrees (usually 45
degrees) to the centerlines of the gores.
Construction, block
A type of drag-producing surface construction in
which the fabric is cut and arranged in the gores
so that the warp yarns and section seams make
an angle of 90 degrees to the centerline of the
gore and are parallel to the skirt hem.
Container see Bag, deployment.
Control line
A line similar to a suspension line that runs from
the load or parachutist to a steerable canopy
and is used for canopy direction or glide angle
control.
Cords see Line, suspension.
Cord, arming
A cord that pulls the firing wire out of a reefing
line cutter or other actuating device, thereby
arming the device.
Cord, elastic
Cord made of elastic with a braided cover, used
in pack opening elastics and other applications.
Cord, shock
An incorrect term on drawings. See Cord,
elastic
Cross connector strap see Connector strap,
cross.
Cross seam
The seam that joins panels to form a gore. In
bias-constructed parachutes, also called a
diagonal seam.
Cutter, reefing line
A device designed to cut through the reefing line
of a canopy.
Crown the portion of the main canopy fabric
surface near the apex.
Dart a short, tapered seam.
4
Denier
A unit of measurement of textile fibers,
expressed in terms of weight (in grams) per
9,000 meters of the fiber, e.g., if the weight is
55 grams, it is called 55 denier.
Diameter, constructed
A designation of the size of a parachute canopy,
based upon design dimensions. This is the
distance between points where the maximum
constructed width of opposing gores intersects
the radial seam.
Diameter, nominal
The computed diameter designation of any
design of parachute canopy which equals the
diameter of a circle having the same total area
as the total cloth area of the drag-producing
surface. The total cloth area is based on the
surface area and includes all openings in the
drag-producing surface, such as slots and vents.
Since it refers to all canopies on a common
basis (i.e., surface area), this method of
diameter designation is preferred for comparison
of different designs of parachute canopies.
Diameter, projected
The mean diameter of the inflated canopy,
measured in the plane of the maximum cross-
section area. On canopies where the fabric
curves out between the suspension lines, the
projected diameter is the mean diameter of the
inner and outer diameters.
Diaper see Skirt Hesitator.
Disconnect, ground
A device that releases the parachute canopy
from the suspended load upon ground contact.
D-ring
A metal fitting shaped like a D into which snap
connectors are hooked.
D-Ring

Duck
Fabric that is similar to canvas.
Edge distance
The space from the outer row of stitching to the
edge or fold of the fabric, tape, webbing or cord.
English fell seam
Seam type LSb-2 of Fed-Std-751.
Eye
A small, steel-wire loop attached to the
deployment bag, into which is fastened a hook
on a pack-opening band.
Eyelet
A small metal reinforcement for a hole in fabrics,
similar to a grommet but thinner and smaller and
with no washer. The eyelet is used to reinforce
lacing holes in small covers.
Eyelet
False bottom see Bottom, false.
Fastener, glove
A small metal fastener consisting of button with
socket and stud with eyelet.
Fastener, directional
A snap fastener which can be engaged or
released only in one direction. Also called a "lift-
the-dot" fastener.
Fastener, non-directional
A snap fastener which can be engaged or
released by applying pressure or pull from any
angle.
Fastener, parachute pack
A metal fitting attached to a pack flap and
designed to fit over a locking cone.
Fastener, slide
A zipper.
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000
Fastener, snap
A small metal fastening device consisting of a
button, socket, stud, and eyelet.
Fastener, tape
Woven nylon tape consisting of two mating
strips, hook and pile, that form a closure when
pressed together; usually Mil-F-21840
Fastener, "Tri-lock"
A button-type fastener that provides for release
in only one quadrant. It serves the same
purpose as a "Lift-the-Dot" fastener but provides
a smoother surface.
Federal stock number (FSN)
A number that is assigned to each end item in
the government supply system.
Felt
A textile material used for padding.
Filling
The threads that run across the width of the
cloth as it comes from the loom; also called fill.
SELVAGE
WARP
SELVAGE FILL
Filling
Flap, pack
A fabric extension, on a side or end of the pack,
designed to enclose and protect the canopy.
Flap nomenclature may be subdivided into
corner, end, and side flaps.
Flaring
Method of splitting, taping, and stitching the end
of the webbing to widen it and prevent it from
slipping through a hardware fitting or adapter.
Folding, accordion
Folding a canopy into folds of uniform length,
accordion fashion, before it is placed into the
pack.
French fell seam
Seam type LSc-2 of Fed-Std-751.
Friction adapter see Adapter.
5
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

Gauge Keeper (pack, harness, suspension line, etc.)

The space between needles on a multiple- Small strip of tape, cord, or webbing used to
needle sewing machine. retain an object.
Gore Knot, binder
The portion of the drag-producing surface Frequently used with square and/or surgeon's
contained between two adjacent suspension knots to terminate double-strand hand tacking.
lines or radial seams.
Grip see Handle, ripcord.
Grommet
A metal eyelet and washer, used as a
reinforcement around a hole in fabric.
Handle, ripcord
A metal loop designed to provide a grip for
pulling locking pins from the locking cones of
ripcord-actuated parachutes. Binder Knot

Hardware Knot, bowline

All metal fittings used on parachutes, parachute Sometimes used at the bottom of steering
systems, and suspended loads. control lines and other miscellaneous
applications.
Harness
An arrangement of webbing, with metal fittings,
designed to conform to the shape of the load in
order to secure it properly, and to properly
distribute the opening shock and the weight of
the load.
Hem
Fabric folded back upon itself and sewn in this
position to form the peripheral edge of fabric.
Bowline Knot
Hesitator loop see Loop, stow.
Knot, cinch
Hesitator, skirt Frequently used to temporarily cinch up
A device that restricts the skirt of the drag- deployment bags prior to installation of final
producing surface, thus preventing inflation until means of locking.
the completion of the snatch force, at which time
the hesitator line breaks and allows inflation of
the canopy. Also called a diaper.
Hook, pack-opening elastic
Small, formed, steel-wire devices attached at
both ends of pack-opening elastics. These are
hooked into the eyes sewn on the pack.
Housing, ripcord
A flexible metal tubing in which the ripcord cable
is installed.
Ink, parachute marking
Usually blue ink, Mil-I-6903, for identification
marking of parachute textiles.
Cinch Knot

6
 ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

Knot, clove hitch Knot, overhand

Frequently used to tie suspension lines to links. Frequently used with square and/or surgeon's
knot to terminate single-strand hand tacking.

Clove Hitch Knot

Knot, half hitch Overhand Knot
Frequently used to tie suspension lines to links. Knot, square
Frequently combined with surgeon's knot to
terminate double-strand hand tacking.

Square Knot
Two Half Hitch Knots
Knot, surgeon's
Knot, lark's head
Frequently combined with square knot to
Frequently used to tie pilot chute bridles to the
terminate double-strand hand tacking.
canopy apex and other similar applications with
bridles.

Surgeon's Knot

Lark's Head Knot

7
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000
Knot, surgeon's / square
Frequently used knot combination to terminate
double-strand hand tacking.
Surgeon's / Square knot
Knot, surgeon's / square / binder
Frequently used knot combination to terminate
double-strand hand tacking.
Surgeon's / Square / Binder Knot
Line, anti-squid
A line attaching suspension line connector links
to canopy vent lines on some parachute
assemblies. The anti-squid lines are shorter
than the suspension lines and prevent the main
canopy from squidding by bearing the load of
the drogue parachute until the main canopy is
fully inflated. Also called a Pull-Down Vent Line.
Line, center
A line that connects the canopy apex to the riser
to pull the apex down and spread the skirt.
Line, guide or control
One or more parachute lines that run from a slot
or orifice in a steerable canopy to the harness,
providing steerability.
Line, pull-down vent see Line, anti-squid.
8
Line, reefing
A length of cord or line passed through rings on
the skirt of the drag-producing surface to delay
or control opening of the canopy.
Line, shroud
An incorrect term on drawings. See Line,
suspension.
Line, static
A line, cable, or webbing, one end of which is
fastened to the pack, canopy, or deployment
bag, and the other to some part of the launching
vehicle. It is used to open a pack or to deploy a
canopy.
Line, suspension
Cords or webbings of nylon or other textile
materials that connect the drag-producing
surface of the canopy to the harness. They
provide the means for suspension of the person
or load from the inflated drag-producing surface.
Line, vent a line that crosses the canopy apex.
Line stowing
The process of drawing the suspension lines
into suspension-line retaining loops in the
parachute pack to prevent entanglement of the
lines during opening of the canopy. Stows may
be held by retaining loops or rubber bands, or
may be tied to stow straps
Link, connector
A rectangular metal fitting used to connect ends
of risers or lift webs to suspension lines. The
suspension lines are tied and sewn to one part
of the link, and the webs are stitched to the other
part. The design of the link may vary in size and
shape according to the intended use.
Connector Link

Link, connector, separable
Any connector link comprised of readily
separable elements, which may be used to
facilitate assembly of parachute canopies to a
riser system.
Separable Connector Link
Loop, locking
Loop sewn to a deployment bag flap to retain
the canopy within the pack until after the
suspension lines have deployed. Usually, the
last stow of lines nearest the canopy is used to
lock the loop.
Loop, retaining
Loop of webbing or tape used to hold folded
lines or excess webbing in position.
Loop, stow
Webbing loop on the deployment bag or pack
designed to hold suspension lines in place on
packed parachutes.
Overfold
An excess of fabric within the seam in which the
edge of the material is tucked back onto itself
and caught by at least one row of stitching.
Overfold
Pack (pack assembly)
Usually denotes the container alone. When so
used, it is defined as a container that encloses
the canopy and provides a means of opening to
allow deployment of the canopy.
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000
Pack flap
A fabric extension on a side or end of the pack
body designed to enclose and protect the
canopy.
Pack frame
A rigid or flexible frame used to maintain desired
pack shape.
Pack opening band
A cloth covered spring or group of springs with
hooks on each end that is used to pull back
parachute container flaps to allow deployment of
the parachute.
Panel
An individual section of fabric that is sewn to
other fabric sections, using cross seams, to form
a gore. Used interchangeably with Section.
Parachute
An assembly consisting of a canopy and/or
some or all of (but not limited to) the following
parts: risers, bridles, deployment bag, pilot
chute, drogue chute, release device, harness,
cushioning, and hardware. The pack and
attaching webbings (harness) are considered to
be parachute components when they are not an
integral part of the suspended load.
Parachute, aerial delivery
A parachute designed to deliver equipment and
supplies from an aircraft in flight. It is used
synonymously with the term "cargo chute."
Parachute, approach, landing
A parachute used in flight to improve jet aircraft
flight characteristics during normal landing
approach, or in approach under marginal
weather conditions.
Parachute, attached type
A parachute, the pack of which is so attached to
an aircraft that the canopy deploys from the
pack as the load falls away.
Parachute, back type
A personnel parachute attached to the back and
shoulders.
Parachute, chest type
A personnel parachute attached to the chest.
9
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000
Parachute, deceleration, landing
A parachute used on aircraft to decrease aircraft
landing roll. It is used synonymously with the
term "drag parachute."
Parachute, extraction
A parachute used to extract cargo from an
aircraft in flight, and to deploy cargo parachutes.
Parachute, first stage
A parachute used to decelerate and stabilize a
falling object so that either the intermediate or
the final recovery parachute can be safely
deployed. This term applies only to parachute
recovery systems. The terms "drogue" and
"parabrake" are also used.
Parachute, flat
A canopy that consists of triangular gores that
lays out flat. A flat circular canopy lays out in
the form of a flat disk or circle.
Parachute, free type
A parachute, not attached to an aircraft, that is
operated by the jumper.
Parachute, intermediate
A parachute that further decelerates an object,
after the first-stage parachute has been
disconnected, to a speed at which it is safe to
deploy the final recovery parachute. This term
applies only to parachute recovery systems
consisting of three or more parachutes, not
counting the pilot chute.
Parachute, personnel
A parachute used by human beings from aircraft
in flight.
Parachute, reserve
A second personnel parachute, usually worn on
the chest during a premeditated jump. It is used
in the event of malfunction of the main
parachute.
Parachute, ribbon
A parachute constructed of ribbons and spaces
instead of fabric.
Parachute, ringslot
A parachute, constructed of alternating fabric
rings and spaces.
Parachute, seat type
A personnel parachute which is worn on the
crew member’s seat.
10
Parachute, stabilization-brake
A parachute used to maintain, or make it
possible to maintain, the attitude of a falling
body and to retard its fall.
Parachute, static-line type
A parachute in which deployment of the canopy
is initiated by means of a static line attached to
an aircraft. Both "troop type" and some "aerial
delivery type" parachutes may be placed in this
category.
Parachute, troop-type
A parachute used primarily by paratroopers for a
premeditated jump over a designated area.
Paraffin see Wax.
Parafoil see ram air canopy.
Parawing
A highly maneuverable single surface gliding
canopy design constructed of two triangles
(single-keel) or with a rectangular section
between the two triangles (twin-keel).
Permeability
A term used to designate the volume of air that
will flow through a given area of cloth in one
minute at a given pressure.
Paraglider
A ram air gliding parachute used for hangliding,
usually larger than a ram air parachute used for
air drop.
Parasail
A gliding-type parachute canopy used by towing
into the air.
Pick
An individual filling yarn in webbing or fabric.
Pilot chute
A small parachute used to deploy a larger
parachute.
Pin, clevis
A metal rod which is fitted with a cotter pin or is
threaded, then inserted through holes in the end
of the clevis to close its open end.
Pin, locking
Short, metal prongs attached to a ripcord cable.
Locking pins are inserted into locking cones to
secure the pack flaps as a function of closing a
parachute pack.

Pin, ripcord see Pin, locking.
Platform
A base of metal and/or wood that serves as the
support on which equipment may be loaded for
aerial delivery.
Pocket band see Band, pocket.
Pockets, deflation
Pockets sewn to the canopy at the skirt hem.
Used in water landings to retain water and
thereby deflate the canopy, preventing the
canopy from dragging the suspended load.
Pocket, log record
A small patch pocket sewn to a part of the
parachute or deployment bag, for carrying the
parachute packing record card.
Porosity
The ratio of open space to covered area of the
drag-producing surface. For ribbon, ringslot,
ringsail, and other slotted-type canopies,
porosity is the ratio of open area to total canopy
area, including all openings. For solid textile
canopies, porosity is synonymous with
permeability.
Ram air canopy
A parachute canopy with an upper and lower
surface that is inflated by air rammed through
holes in the front, to form the general shape of a
wing.
Ravel
To separate, untwist or unwind, leaving a frayed
or ragged edge.
Raw edge
The unfinished, or cut, edge of a textile material.
If not hemmed, bound, seared, or treated, a raw
edge is subject to raveling.
Recovery system, parachute
A parachute recovery system includes all items
that are required to recover an object from flight
and to land it safely on the ground or on water
with a minimum of damage. In general the
following subsystems are included: first-stage,
intermediate, and final-recovery parachutes;
controlling devices; actuating devices; and
landing and/or flotation devices.
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000
Reefing, skirt
A restriction of the skirt of a drag-producing
surface to less than the fully inflated diameter.
Release, canopy
A device that is designed to permit rapid
separation of canopy and risers from the
suspended load.
Release, harness
A manually-operated device incorporated in a
harness. It is designed to permit the rapid
release of the harness from the wearer.
Release, three-ring see Release, canopy.
Restitching
The process of repairing base or broken
stitching by stitching directly over it.
Rib
A structural member of a ram air canopy similar
to the rib of an aircraft wing in shape and
function.
Ring, vent
An elastic ring enclosed in the hem of the vent
collar. It holds the vent partially closed and free
to expand under pressure.
Ring, reefing
Metal ring attached to the inside of the skirt of a
drag-producing surface at the suspension-line
connection points through which a reefing line is
passed.
Ripcord
A locking device consisting of cable(s), locking
pin(s), and grip, that secures the pack in a
closed condition. When pulled, it releases the
canopy from the pack.
Ripcord cable
A flexible metal cable that runs from the ripcord
grip to the locking pins.
Ripstop
A type of nylon cloth used in canopy
manufacture. The weave pattern consists of
reinforced fibers in both the warp and fill
directions, forming a uniform pattern of squares.
The fabric is designed to keep hole damage to a
minimum when rips or tears develop in the
canopy.
11
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000
Riser
That portion of the suspension system between
the lower end of a group of suspension lines or
canopies and the point of attachment to the
load.
Rolling
A method of finishing the end of webbing to
prevent it from slipping through hardware
fittings. The end is folded into multiple plies to
increase the thickness and stitched.
Run-Off
Stitching that extends beyond the edge of the
fabric, tape, webbing, or cord.
Sail
A section of a gore of a ringsail parachute.
Scotchmate see Tape, fastener
Seam
A series of stitches joining two or more pieces of
fabric or material. Seams are described fully in
Fed-Std-751.
Seam, bias
The radial or diametrical seam of a bias-
constructed drag-producing surface.
Seam, block
A seam that runs parallel to the warp or filling
threads of material used in block construction of
drag-producing surfaces.
Seam, diagonal
The diagonal or horizontal seams that join the
sections of each gore of a bias-constructed,
drag-producing surface.
Seam, radial
A seam that extends from the skirt to the vent
and joins two gores. A portion of the suspension
lines may be concealed in the channels formed
by the radial seams.
Searing
A method of sealing ends of nylon cord or
webbing by melting them to prevent raveling.
Section
An individual panel of fabric that is sewn to other
fabric panels, using cross seams, to form a gore.
Used interchangeably with Panel.
12
Selvage
The woven edge of cloth so formed to prevent
raveling, as compared to a cut edge, which will
ravel.
Separator, line
A slotted metal or wood device used to hold
suspension lines at the canopy skirt after
separation into groups during packing.
Serving, spiral
A method of wrapping cord around rope, lines,
or elastic cord to bind tightly together. It is
started with a lark's head or clove hitch around
the lines being served, and followed by a series
of half hitch knots that form a spiral. The free
end is first looped along the lines to be served,
ending up under the half hitches. When the half
hitches are complete, the half hitch end is
passed through the exposed loop of the free
end, and the half hitch end is pulled through
under the half hitches and trimmed. Variations
to this procedure occur.
Spiral Serving
Shot bag
A parachute packing tool. A bag is filled with
sand or lead shot and used to hold folded gores
in position during packaging.
Single-X
A stitch pattern representing an X-formation,
usually used with a box stitch. Also called a
box-X stitch.
Skirt
The reinforced hem forming the periphery of a
drag-producing surface.
Skirt hem
The folded-over lower periphery of the canopy.
Skirt reinforcement band see Band, skirt.
Sleeve
A tapered fabric tube in which a canopy is
placed to control deployment.

Slider
A canopy reefing device that consists of a
rectangular cloth surface with holes near each
corner. Suspension lines pass through the
holes. The slider is packed near the skirt of the
parachute; air tries to keep it there, while the
suspension lines try to push it down in order to
open. The action slows the opening.
Slot
A vent, or radial slit, within a gore of a drag-
producing surface.
Snap, connector, quick
A hook-shaped, spring-loaded metal fitting that
snaps over a D-ring to connect two webbings.
Snap, connector, quick, ejector
A hook-shaped, spring-loaded metal fitting that
snaps over a D-ring to connect two webbings.
An ejector level mechanism is also incorporated
to release the snap from the D-ring with a pull up
motion.
Snap, harness
A hook-shaped, spring-guarded metal fastener
that snaps over a V- or D-ring to secure two
parts of an assembly.
Snap, harness, friction
A sliding, grip-friction buckle with a metal snap
attached to a parachute harness to secure two
parts of the harness together, and also to permit
quick-fit adjustments on the wearer or load.
Snap, static-line
A metal device used to connect the free end of a
static line to a cable or ring in an aircraft.
Span
The distance from wing tip to wing tip of a ram
air canopy.
Spike, recovery
A pointed beam extension on the nose of the
load that absorbs ground-impact energy by
penetrating the ground.
Splice
The joining of two strands or core ends by
interweaving or mechanical joint.
Splice, insertion
The insertion and stitching of braided cord into
itself.
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000
Insertion Splice
Square canopy
A parachute that is square in constructed form;
the term may also describe ram air canopies.
Squidding
A state of incomplete canopy inflation in which
the canopy resembles the shape of a squid.
Static line
A line attached to the parachute container or
deployment bag and the aircraft that initiates
parachute deployment as the load falls away
from the aircraft.
Stiffener, pack
Rectangular strips of metal or fiber placed in the
pack flaps to stiffen and shape the flaps, sides,
or bottom of the pack.
Stitch, basting
Temporary stitching, usually with long, loose
stitches. On some applications, basting may
consist of heat tacking, small spots of cement, or
other suitable means that do not damage or
chemically deteriorate the canopy.
Stitch, box
A rectangular or square stitch pattern.
Stitch, buttonhole
A reinforcement stitch around the edge of a hole
or slit.
Stitch, chain
Ornamental, basting, or seam stitch in which
stitching threads are not interlocked. There may
be single-, double-, or triple-thread chain
stitching. Type 401 of Fed-Std-751.
Stitch, cross
A stitch pattern that crosses back and forth
among two or more points.
Cross Stitch
(4-point type illustrated)
13
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

Stitch, double-throw zigzag Stitching, tight

Zigzag stitching in which the needle makes a
center stitch between each left and right stitch.
Stitch, four-needle
A method of stitching that can be performed in
one operation by a four-needle sewing machine.
It is used on both hems and seams.
Stitch, hand see Tacking.
Stitch, lock
A stitch formed when the thread in the needle
goes through the fabric and connects with the
bobbin thread, locking the threads in the center
thickness of the fabric.
Lock Stitch
Stitch, overedge
A stitch pattern around the outer edge of fabric
to prevent the edges from raveling or fraying.
Stitch, running see Tacking.
Stitch, serging
An overedge stitch: slanted stitches over the
edges of the material.
Stitch, single-throw zigzag
Zigzag stitching in which the needles travel
completely from one side of the pattern to the
other without making a center stitch.
Stitch, zigzag
Stitching done by a sewing machine that makes
stitches alternately on two or more parallel lines.
Stitch, whip see Tacking.
Stitches per unit length
In straight stitching, the number of needle
penetrations in one measured unit length
(typically inches or centimeters). For zigzag or
bartack stitching, the number of needle
penetrations along one side of the stitch pattern
only.
Stitching, bunched
A defective seam resulting from a higher
concentration of stitches per inch than is
allowed.
Thread under excess tension causing one
sewing thread to lie on the surface of fabric or
causing puckering of the fabric.
Stow
Any one U-shaped loop of static line or
suspension line compactly secured to the
parachute pack. Also called a bight.
Strength, tear
The average force required for a continuous tear
across either the filling or warp of a textile.
Strength, tensile
The tension required to break a textile. The
tensile strength of a fabric is stated in force per
unit width for warp and filling. The tensile
strength of webbings, tapes and cords is stated
for the full width of the textile. Also called break-
ing strength.
Surface, drag-producing
That portion of a parachute canopy consisting of
the cloth area designed to produce the desired
drag.
Swage
Join metal parts by pressure, such as in
attaching ripcord locking pins to ripcord cable.
Tacking
Hand stitching. Also called hand tacking. The
tacking may consist of long stitches as in basting
(running stitches), stitches along and over the
edges of one or more textiles (whip stitches),
baseball stitches joining one or more textiles, or
may be concentrated in a specific area.
Baseball Stitch

14

One Turn Single
(Single Strand of Thread)
Two Turns Single
(Single Strand of Thread)
One Turn Doubled
(Double Strands of Thread)
Running Stitch
Whip Stitch
Tape, Fastener
Woven nylon tape consisting of two mating
strips that, when pressed together, engage to
serve as a closure. Some commercial names
for tape fastener are Scotchmate and Velcro.
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000
Tape, hook
Strip of fabric tape with small nylon hooks on
one side. Hook is used with pile tape as a
fastener.
Tape, pile
Strip of fabric tape with small nylon loops on one
side. Pile tape is used with hook tape as a
fastener.
Tape, reinforcement
Tape or webbing sewn to strengthen the fabric
at a weak spot or point of stress.
Tenacity
Tensile stress in a fiber or yarn based on the
linear density of the unstrained material. The
preferred units are millinewtons per tex
(mN/tex), grams-force per denier (gf/den), or
pounds-force per denier (lbf/den).1
Tie down a chain and binder assembly used to
lash cargo to structural points in aircraft or to
heavy drop platforms.
Thread, break
A stitching intended to break easily under a
relatively small stress.
Thread, plied
Thread in which two or more yarns are twisted
together.
Triple-X
A stitch pattern resembling three adjoining Xs. It
is often used with a box stitch.
Tuck
A shortening of material caused by pulling fabric
up in folds and stitching across the gathered
fabric.
Twist
In thread or cord, the direction (right or left) in
which the strands of thread or cord are wound
around one another. If the thread unwinds when
turning it to the left, it is right twist; if it tightens, it
is left twist. Right twist is also called "Z" twist;
left twist is also known as "S" twist.
1 This definition and these units are consistent with
those given in ASTM D4848-98, Standard Termin-
ology of Force, Deformation, and Related Properties
of Textiles.
15
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

Underfold Wax generally a mixture of 50% beeswax and

A defective fold in which insufficient material has 50% paraffin melted to approximately 180 °F
been folded inside the seam, sometimes and used as a hot dip to prevent the fraying of
resulting in exposed raw edges. cut ends of webbing, cord, and tape (mainly
applied to cotton materials).
Weave the forming of a textile by interlacing
warp and filling yarns.
Weave, basket textile weave in which double
threads are interlaced alternately.
Weave, plain textile weave in which single
threads are interlaced alternately.
Underfold
Weave, satin textile weave in which warp
Uneven stitching wavy stitching or with varying threads interlace with fill threads at points
number of stitches per inch. distributed over the surface, thereby producing a
smooth-faced fabric.
Vane a piece of fabric sewn to the main seams
of the canopy or to the suspension lines, and Weave, twill textile weave in which the fill
extending radially inward to join at the axis. threads pass over one and under two or more
Used in pilot chute construction. warp threads, creating an appearance of
diagonal lines, sometimes called herringbone.
Vane type pilot chute a pilot chute with internal
vanes between the suspension lines and the Webbing, elastic a webbing having elastic warp
drag surface. Often vane pilot chutes also threads to give it greater elasticity than regular
incorporate a cone-shaped cloth-covered coil webbing.
spring in the center.
Webbing, tubular sleeve-like woven webbing
Velcro See Tape, fastener which forms a seamless tube.
Vent any opening in the cloth surface of the Web, lift see Riser.
canopy for the purpose of venting air, but usually
Weft see fill.
refers to the opening at the canopy apex. Also
called the crown. Whipping a method of wrapping or binding the
ends of a cord or line so that they will not ravel.
Vent collar a strip of fabric sewn to the vent
Variations occur.
hem so that a cylinder or collar is formed at the
top of the canopy. The edge not stitched to the
canopy is hemmed and contains an elastic ring
that expands or contracts with variations in air
pressure through the canopy vent.
Vent, puckered a cloth sleeve or collar attached
to and encircling the vent, puckered by the use
of an elastic member located at the apex sleeve
or collar.
Vent reinforcement band see Band, vent.
V-ring a metal fitting in the form of a V that is Whipping
used with snaps to secure a load to a canopy.
V-tab a short length of tape or webbing wrapped
around a suspension line and stitched to the
skirt hem. Also called a "butterfly."
Warp the threads that run parallel to the selvage
of cloth; those threads that are crossed by the
filling threads.

16
 ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

views of stitching shall consist of a single thin

3.0 Requirements
3.1 Exceptions to Basic Drawing
Conventions
Textile drawings are unique to the textile
manufacturing industry and must deviate from
standard mechanical drawing conventions to the
extent described in this section.
3.1.1 Stitching Lines
Straight stitching shall be shown as short, thin
dashes with spaces of equal length. Section
line drawn through and perpendicular to the
materials being sewn. See Figure 1.
When straight stitching is used to form special
stitch patterns such as Box X stitching, the
interior intersection of stitching lines may also be
shown when required for dimensioning.
Overlapped stitching, backstitching, basting, or
adjacent stitching required to complete the
pattern need not be shown separately in either
the plan view or cross sections. See Figure 2.

Figure 1: Drawing Straight Stitching

Figure 2: Crossed Stitching Pattern (Box X Stitch)

17
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000
Zigzag stitching, types 304 and 308 of Fed-Std-
751, shall be drawn as shown in Figures 3a and
3b. The zigzag pattern should be shown in the
plan view only: the sections should show only
the beginning and end of the length and width of
the pattern. The needle gauge is not usually
specified on the drawing, but may be listed
Figure 3a: Zigzag Stitching Type 304
Overedge machine stitching, types 101, 201,
301, 401, or any stitch type of class 500 or type
602 of Fed-Std-751, shall be drawn as shown in
Figure 4. The stitch type shall be designated by
a local note.
18
either in the cross section or in the general
notes. When a general note is used, it should
state that all zigzag stitching shall penetrate the
item being attached. Intentional backstitching or
crowded stitches at the ends of zigzag patterns
need not be shown on the drawing; when not
shown, they should be designated by local note.
Figure 3b: Zigzag Stitching Type 308
3.1.2 Hidden Lines
Hidden or phantom lines should not be em-
ployed. Instead, thick cut-away lines and
multiple views should be used as shown in
Figure 5.
 ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

OVEREDGE STITCH
TYPE 301
USING NYLON THREAD
V-T-295. SIZE E

A
SECTION A-A
Figure 4: Overedge Stiching

Figure 5: Cutaway in Lieu of Hidden or Phantom Lines

3.1.3 Material Thickness.

Textile thickness shall be shown by a single views are drawn to scale, the thickness of the
object line. See Figure 6. When orthographic textile layers need not be drawn to scale.

19
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

Figure 6: Material Thickness

Tubular webbing, hook or pile tape fastener, and elliptical in section views. See Figures 7a and
similar textiles may be drawn with a thick object 7b. The pile or hook side of tape fastener may
line. The thickness of round or flat braided cord be indicated either by local note or hatching.
may be drawn circular or See Figure 7c.

Figure 7a: Portrayal of Round Cord in Section Views

20
 ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

Figure 7b: Portrayal of Flat Braided Cord in Section Views

Figure 7c: Example of Portrayal of Tape Fasteners in Section Views

21
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

3.1.4 Section Views.

Section views shall be used to show interior
construction that cannot be shown with exterior
views. Heavy cutting plane lines shall show the
area or feature being sectioned. Although
cutting planes may be taken from any direction,
it is preferred that they be
taken from right to left and from bottom to top
where possible. Section views of textile parts
shall be shown with single solid object lines and
shall not be cross hatched. Plies of material
shall be drawn with sufficient spacing between
them to insure legibility. See Figure 8.

Figure 8: Section View

1/16 OR LESS ± 1/32

3.1.5 Dimensions
Dimensions may be expressed as fractions or MORE THAN 1/16 BUT LESS THAN 2 ± 1/16
decimals, but the use of either shall be uniform 2 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN 10 ± 1/8
throughout the drawing. The parachute industry
currently favors U. S. Customary units. Units in 10 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN 30 ± 1/4
this standard may be soft-converted until the 30 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN 60 ± 3/8
referenced government Standards are revised to
use SI units. 60 OR MORE ± 1%
ANGLES ± 2°
3.1.6 Standard Tolerances
TENSIONS ± 10%
Standard textile tolerances shall be shown on
the face of the drawing. The following table is ZIGZAG STITCH LENGTH + 1/2 – 0
an example of a tolerance note:
UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, THE
TOLERANCES ON DIMENSIONS GIVEN IN
THIS DRAWING SHALL BE AS FOLLOWS:

22
 ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

Where SI units are used, the following tolerance

3.1.7 Stacked Dimensions
table is recommended:
Stacked dimensions, which lead to the ac-
Dimension (mm) Tol. cumulation of tolerances, should usually be
less than 2 1 avoided. See Figure 9.
more than 2 but less than 50 2
more than 50 but less than 250 3
more than 250 but less than 750 6
more than 750 but less than 1500 10
more than 1500 1%

5 12 12

NOT RECOMMENDED

29
17
5

RECOMMENDED

Figure 9: Stacked vs. Baseline Dimensions

23
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000
3.2 General Notes
Following are examples of general parachute
drawing notes, to be modified as needed for the
specific product and at the discretion of the
design activity.
NOTES UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED,
MANUFACTURE IN ACCORDANCE WITH MIL-
P-7620
INTERPRET DRAWINGS IN ACCORDANCE
WITH ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000.
MATERIAL DYED SAGE GREEN SHALL BE
COLOR NO. 34158 IN ACCORDANCE WITH
FED-STD-595.
MARK PART IN ACCORDANCE WITH MIL-
STD-130. MARKING COLOR SHALL BE FED-
STD-595, COLOR NO. 30277.
THE EDGE DISTANCE FOR STITCHING
SHALL BE 1/8 INCH FOR WEBBING AND 1/16
INCH FOR TAPE.
ALL HAND STITCHING SHALL BE WITH -6
THREAD, DOUBLED AND WAXED.
ALL DIMENSIONS EXCEPT STOCK SIZE
COLUMN IN PARTS LIST ARE FINISHED
DIMENSIONS AND SHALL BE MEASURED
UNDER A TENSION OF NOT LESS THAN 1
NOR MORE THAN 10 POUNDS.
Number of Stitches Per Inch
Straight Stitching
Thread Size Type 301
B 7 – 11
E 7 – 11
F 7 – 11
FF 6–9
3 5–8
5 4–6
6 4–6
24
SEAR EXPOSED ENDS OF NYLON TAPE,
CORD, AND WEBBING EXCEPT ENDS THAT
ARE TO BE STITCHED OVER WITH THREAD.
AVOID FORMING SHARP EDGES. FOR
ENDS THAT ARE TO BE STITCHED OVER,
DIP 1/4-INCH MINIMUM IN ANTI-FRAY
SOLUTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH
PROCESS SPECIFICATION 1-A-2345 OR (e.g.,
Anti-Fray Solution in accordance with Process
Spec. XXXX or [Trade Name] obtainable from
[Company Name, Address, Cage Code]).
ALL FLAT PATTERNS INCLUDE SEAM
ALLOWANCE. PATTERN DIMENSIONS ARE
FOR REFERENCE ONLY AND DO NOT
INCLUDE ALLOWANCE FOR SHRINKAGE
DUE TO STITCHING. PARTS MUST MEET
FINISHED DIMENSIONS GIVEN ON THIS
DRAWING.
ALL MACHINE STITCHING SHALL BE WITH
-3 THREAD IN ACCORDANCE WITH FED-
STD-751. STRAIGHT STITCHING SHALL BE
TYPE 301, 8 TO 11 STITCHES PER INCH.
ZIGZAG STITCHING SHALL BE DOUBLE
THROW, TYPE 308, 7 TO 12 STITCHES PER
INCH. ALL EXPOSED ENDS OF STRAIGHT
STITCHING SHALL BE BACK STITCHED OR
OVERSTITCHED 1/2 TO 3/4 INCH.
The number of stitches per inch shall be
specified on the face of the drawing. An ex-
ample table of stitches per inch follows.
Zigzag Stitching
Single Throw Double Throw
Type 304 Type 308
12 – 16 8 - 12
12 – 14 7 - 10
12 – 14 7 - 10
--- 6-9
--- 4-7
--- 4-7
--- 4-7
 ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

If Mil-Std-849 is not given in the manufacturing

specification, drawings may contain the following
examples of notes:

THIS ITEM SHALL BE INSPECTED AND

DEFECTS SHALL BE CLASSIFIED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH MIL-STD-849. THE
NUMBER OF MINOR DEFECTS SHALL NOT
EXCEED THE LIMIT GIVEN IN THAT
DOCUMENT. PROVISIONS OF MIL-STD-849
DO NOT APPLY TO THIS REQUIREMENT.
OUT-OF-TOLERANCE OR FAILURE-TO-
COMPLY CONDITION IS A MAJOR DEFECT
AND SHALL CAUSE REJECTION OF THE
PART.
3.3 Views and Projections
Isometric or perspective projections should not
be used when the shape of the object can be
adequately defined by orthographic views and
third-angle projections. Figure 11:
Sample Inflated Profile View
3.3.1 Number of Views
Single- or two-view drawings with their related
dimensions may be used for items that are
simple enough to be completely defined by less
than three views. (E.g., the width of most tapes
and webbings are defined by their specification
type and/or class callouts.) See Figure 10.

Figure 10: Third View Not Required to Define

Width of Part

3.3.2 Inflated Profile and Top Views Figure 12: Top View
Parachute canopy drawings shall contain
sufficient views to establish the suspension line 3.3.3 Gore Views
lengths and sequence, identification, gore color
scheme, and other essential features. A top Drawings for canopies formed with gores should
view and an inflated profile view should usually include a typical gore construction view to show
be sufficient to define these features. For other essential dimensions and features. See Figure
than flat parachutes the top view need not be a 13.
true projection. See Figures 11 and 12. See the
Annex for inflated profile views of representative
canopies.

25
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

Figure 14: Removed Section

Figure 15a: Detail View

Figure 13: Gore Construction View

The gore view may be contained within the

inflated profile view. See Appendix B for gore
views of representative canopies.
3.3.4 Removed Sections
A removed section is not a direct projection from
a view containing the cutting plane line. It is
removed from its normal projection position.
See Figure 14.

3.3.5 Detail Views

Use detail views to show features in larger scale
or in greater detail than may be possible on Figure 15b: Detail View
main views. See Figures 15a and 15b.

26
 ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

3.3.6 Marking Views 3.3.8 Views on Separate Sheets

Marking views shall be used to show di- When any view or section appears on another
mensional marking requirements for suspension sheet than the one from which it is taken, both
lines, vent lines, and similar components that views shall cross reference each other by sheet
require marking prior to assembly. Unless and zone. See Figure 18.
otherwise specified in the general notes, the
marking tension shall be indicated by local note.
See Figure 16.

Figure 16: Marking View

Figure 18: Cross-Referenced Views

3.3.7 Omitted Features
When necessary to clarify the detail being 3.4 Seams and Stitching
shown, features such as prior stitching or layers
A textile seam joint consists of a specified
of material considered superfluous to the detail
sequence of stitches uniting two or more pieces
may be omitted so long as they are adequately
of material and is used for assembling parts in
represented in another view. The view shall
the production of sewn items.
have a note stating that the absent material has
been omitted for clarity. See Figure 17.
3.4.1 Stitch Patterns
Frequently-used parachute and component
stitch patterns are given in Figures 19 through
27.

Figure 17: Omitted Features

27
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

Figure 19: Figure 23: Diamond Stitching

Multiple Rows of Straight Stitching (Multiple Point)

Figure 20:
Figure 24: Zigzag Stitching
Three-Point Cross Stitch
(Type 304)

Figure 21: Box Stitch Figure 25: Split Four-Point Cross Stitch

Figure 26: Staggered Three-Point

Figure 22: Box-X Stitch Cross Stitch

28
 ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

A A

SECTION A - A

Figure 29: French Fell Seam

Figure 27: Bartack Stitch

25 to 31 Stitches per Inch Measured Along A A
One Side of Stitching

3.4.2 Seams and Hems

Seams and hems should be drawn rather than
designated by the four class divisions and
subdivisions given in Fed-Std-751. Common
seams and hems used in the construction of
parachutes and components are represented in
Figures 28 through 34. All stitch lines should be SECTION A - A
sufficiently complete to fully designate the
number of rows of stitches and/or the stitch Figure 30:
pattern.
Reinforced French Fell Seam

A A

SECTION A - A

Figure 28: Plain Lapped Seam

29
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

A A A A

SECTION A - A SECTION A - A

Figure 31: Plain Hem Figure 34: Bound Hem

3.4.3 Hand Stitching

A A When hand stitching is required, the method of
terminating the stitching pattern shall be shown
on the drawing. See Section 2.0, Definitions,
under Knots, pages 6 and 7.

3.4.4 Stitches Per Inch Definition for

Zigzag Stitching
Drawings with zigzag stitching shall contain a
specific view to show how the number of stitches
SECTION A - A
per inch shall be measured. See Figure 35.

Figure 32: Plain Hem

With Interior Reinforcements

A A

SECTION A - A
Figure 35: Enlarged View of
Figure 33: Rolled Hem Double-Throw Zigzag Stitching

30
 ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

3.6 Finished vs. Pattern

3.4.5 Protection from Fraying
Dimensions
If protection of textile parts against fraying is
If material patterns are used generally, di-
required, the drawing shall indicate that all
mensions shall be reference only. Finished part
exposed cut ends and edges of the affected
dimensions shall normally be given in place of
textile materials shall be designed or treated to
specifying pattern dimensions.
prevent fraying. The edges may be bound,
folded under, hemmed, edge stitched, seared, or
3.6.1 Standard Tensions for Finished
coated.
Dimensions
3.5 Identification Markings In addition to the general tension given in the
Drawings normally require that parts be notes, specific tensions are often called out for
identified in accordance with Mil-Std-130. Small the following finished dimensions:
interchangeable textile parts should contain at
Vent width between radial centerlines
least the following information as a minimum:
Skirt width between radial centerlines
Design Activity Code and Part Number
Radial seam
Manufacturer's Code
Suspension lines
Date of Manufacture
Vent lines
Example:
Horizontal ribbons
30003-781AS106-2
Risers
MFR-12345
The tension to be applied typically is governed
MFG DATE JUN 90
by the strength of the textile members being
Canopies and other large parts that have measured. As a general guideline, the tension
sufficient area for marking should have the specified should be between 0.5% and 1.0% (to
following minimum information: the nearest five pounds) of the strength of the
joined members except that tensions exceeding
Design Activity Code and Part Number
40 pounds are rarely used.
Nomenclature
3.6.2 Location of Dimensions
Contract Number
Dimensions should be specified along — rather
Date of Manufacture than between — longitudinal and circumferential
Serial Number tape and webbing reinforcements or bindings.
See Figure 36.
Manufacturer's Code
National Stock Number (when applica-
ble)
The words, "Date placed in service"
When the Current Design Activity is not also the
Original Design Activity, both should be listed,
using the words "Original Design Activity" and
"Current Design Activity."

The standard marking ink for parachute textile

materials is Mil-I-6903. The standard color is Figure 36: Location of Dimensions
blue, but other colors may be specified as
required. Colors should be specified in
accordance with Fed-Std-595.

31
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

32
 ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

Annex:

Canopy Profile and Gore Views

Figures B-1 through B-23 give examples of inflated

profiles, constructed profiles, and flat gores for
representative canopies.

33
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

CONSTRUCTED PROFILE
CONSTRUCTED PROFILE

Figure B-2. Conical Parachute

Figure B-1. Flat Circular Parachute

34
 ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

CONSTRUCTED PROFILE CONSTRUCTED PROFILE

Figure B-3. Bi-Conical Parachute Figure B-4. Tri-Conical Parachute

35
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

CONSTRUCTED PROFILE CONSTRUCTED PROFILE

Figure B-5. Flat Extended Skirt Parachute Figure B-6. Full Extended Skirt Parachute

36
 ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

CONSTRUCTED PROFILE
CONSTRUCTED PROFILE

Figure B-7. Hemispherical Parachute Figure B-8. Ribbed Guide-Surface Parachute

37
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

Figure B-9. Ribless Guide-Surface Figure B-10. Annular Parachute

Parachute

38
 ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

Figure B-12. Supersonic-X Parachute

Figure B-11. Cross Parachute

39
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

CONSTRUCTED PROFILE
CONSTRUCTED PROFILE

Figure B-13. Flat Circular Ribbon Figure B-14. Conical Ribbon Parachute
Parachute

40
 ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

CONSTRUCTED PROFILE

CONSTRUCTED PROFILE

Figure B-15. Hemisflo Parachute Figure B-16. Ringslot Parachute

41
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

CONSTRUCTED PROFILE
CONSTRUCTED PROFILE

Figure B-18. Disk-Gap-

Figure B-17. Ringsail Parachute Band Parachute

42
 ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

Figure B-20. Vortex Ring Parachute

Figure B-19. Rotafoil Parachute

43
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

Figure B-21. Single Keel Parawing Parachute Figure B-22. Twin Keel Parawing Parachute

44
 ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

INFLATED PROFILE

INFLATED FRONTAL VIEW

Figure B-23. Parafoil (Ram Air) Parachute

45
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

46
 ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

Index M

Marking views............................................... 27
Material thickness ......................................... 20
A Mil-I-6903..................................................... 31
Mil-P-7620.................................................... 24
American National Standards, Mil-Std-130.............................................. 24,31
relationship to other ......................... 1 Mil-Std-849.............................................. 24,31
Mil-T-31000....................................................1
C
N
Crosshatching .............................................. 22
Current Design Activity.................................. 31 Needle gauge for zigzag stitching .................. 18
Notes, general .............................................. 24
D
O
Detail views.................................................. 26
Dimensions .................................................. 22 Omitted features ........................................... 27
finished vs. pattern.................................. 31
location of .............................................. 31 S
stacked dimensions ................................ 23
Seams ......................................................... 26
E and hems ............................................... 29
bound hem ............................................. 30
Exceptions to basic drawing conventions........ 17 French fell .............................................. 29
plain hem ............................................... 30
F plain lapped............................................ 29
Fastener, tape .............................................. 21 rolled hem .............................................. 30
Fed-Std-595 ............................................ 24,31 Section views ............................................... 22
Fed-Std-751 ................................ 18, 19, 24, 29 removed................................................. 26
Fraying, protection from ................................ 31 Stitches per inch ................................ 24, 29, 30
Stitching
G adjacent stitching.................................... 17
backstitching .................................... 17, 24
In zigzag patterns ............................. 18
Gore views ................................................... 25 bartack................................................... 29
basting................................................... 17
H box stitching ........................................... 28
box-X stitching.................................. 17, 28
Hems ........................................................... 30 crowded stitching in zigzag patterns......... 18
cross-stitching .................................. 17, 28
I diamond stitching.................................... 28
hand ...................................................... 30
overedge stitching................................... 19
Identification markings................................... 31 overlapped stitching ................................ 17
Inflated profile views ..................................... 25 overstitching........................................... 24
split cross stitch ................................ 28, 29
L staggered cross stitch ............................. 29
stitching lines.......................................... 17
Lines straight stitching................................ 17, 27
hidden.................................................... 19 zigzag stitching............................ 18, 24, 28
suspension............................................. 25 zigzag tolerances.............................. 22

47
ANSI/AIAA S-017A-2000

T gore ....................................................... 25
marking.................................................. 27
number of............................................... 25
Tensions, standard ....................................... 31
on separate sheets ................................. 27
Tolerances ................................................... 22
profile..................................................... 25
angles.................................................... 22
section ................................................... 22
SI units................................................... 23
top ........................................................ 25
tensions ................................................. 22
zigzag stitching....................................... 22
Top views..................................................... 25 W

V Webbing, tubular .......................................... 20

Views
and projections ....................................... 25
detail...................................................... 26

48
 American Institute of
Aeronautics and Astronautics

1801 Alexander Bell Drive, Suite 500

Reston, VA 20191-4344

ISBN 1-56347-467-0