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The T-10 Parachute is a series of static line-deployed parachutes used by the United States armed forces for combat mass-assault airborne operations and training. The T-10 parachute was introduced in the early 1950s. In 1976, the B model introduced the anti-inversion net; in 1986, the C model was introduced, which changed the pocket band free length from 4" to 7½". The T-10D, adopted in 2000, includes the detachable pack tray, which in itself includes the 15' universal static line and 5' extension static line. The T-10D is currently being replaced by the T-11 parachute system. In 2006, all T-10C parachutes were revised by adding one static line stow bar to each side of the pack tray; the material for the T-10C was also changed to the Army's Foliage Green #504.
Design
Depending upon air density and the jumper’s total weight, the parachute’s average rate of descent is from 22 to 24 feet per second (6.7 to 7.3 m/s); total suspended weight limitation is 360 pounds (160 kg). The parachute is deployed using either a 15 or 20 feet (4.6 or 6.1 m) static line, allowing the parachutist to be delivered by either C-130 or C-17 aircraft. The T-10D main parachute is a parabolic-shape and has a nominal diameter of 35 feet (11 m) with 30 suspension lines. The entire assembly weighs 31 pounds (14 kg). Paratroopers can be dropped from an aircraft at a maximum speed of 173 mph (150 kn), at a minimum of 500 ft (150 m). Maximum jump wind speed is 15 mph (13 kn).
The T-10D Parachute assembly consists of five components: pack tray, troop harness, deployment bag, risers, and canopy. The parachute has a combined service life of 16.5 years; service life is 12 years and shelf life is 4.5 years. The T-10D Parachute must be repacked every 120 days. The T-10D Parachute is made of nylon materials commonly used in the manufacturing of parachutes.
The Modified Improved Reserve Parachute System (MIRPS) includes a standard T-10 reserve parachute canopy assembly, integrated with a commercial deployment assistance device composed of a bridle line, pilot parachute, and spring. The pack tray includes a line bag for stowing suspension lines and an inner staging flap that holds the reserve parachute until sufficient tension is achieved through the bridle/pilot parachute assembly during deployment. The MIRPS pack tray is slightly larger than that of the T-10 reserve pack tray so it can accommodate a larger pilot chute, spring, and bridle. The pack tray has a yellow stripe along the rip cord protector flap and is made of nylon textile materials commonly used to make parachute systems.