How to Pack the RZ20 Parachute

During WWII German paratroopers used three types of parachutes, RZ1, RZ16 and RZ20. The RZ16 was designed in Cologne, as a fast opening chute and constructed to open without shocking the user. It was divided into four parts, the canopy, deployment bag, outer bag, and harness. Connected to the airplane via a 20-foot long static cord, the paratrooper only needed to jump out the door in order to deploy his chute. As soon as the trooper left the plane, the static-line pulled the outer bag away from the pack thus releasing the canopy. In under 5-seconds the paratroopers' parachute was completely open. As the man flew through the sky towards the ground his landing was comparable to jumping off an 18-foot cliff without a parachute. The German RZ20 parachute has been in service since the 1940's.

Things You'll Need

  • Wire hook
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stretch the entire contents of the parachute out along the ground.

    • 2

      Lay the canopy in a half circle. Flattening it, so it is easy to fold.

    • 3

      Begin on the right edge, folding into the center of the canopy. Repeat on the left side.

    • 4

      Start at the top, folding the canopy in half. Continue folding in this pattern, until the canopy is 1.5-feet by 2-feet.

    • 5

      Rolling the folded canopy along its cord ropes, starting from the top of the canopy .

    • 6

      Reaching the inner bag, pull open its flap then stuff the rolled pack and cord inside. Pushing the canopy and cords into the inner bag will take considerable effort.

    • 7

      Tuck the remaining cords in an S-shape on top of the pack. Then pull the static line through the hole at the bottom of the inner bag.

    • 8

      Use a wire-hook to pull the 28 cord lines through the loops on the outside of the inner bag.

    • 9

      Close the lower flap, once all lines are through the lowest loop.

    • 10

      Secure the lines by pulling on them, until they are through the remaining loops.

    • 11

      Put the inner bag inside the outer bag and close the flaps.

    • 12

      Push four string-loops through their respective holes. Fix each loop with the small key, securing it to the static-line.