8/3/2019 Parachute Folding

1/1

Bobs Model Rocketry Notes: Folding Parachutes

Its said there are as many ways to fold parachutes as there are rocketeers. This handout presents a best

practices method (with options) based on Bobs research.

Before Installing the Parachute:

Plastic parachutes (polyethylene film) should be stored outside the model, hanging upside-down inthe open position. (At the very least, hang the chute out the night before.) If the air is hot, humid, or cold, apply generous amounts of baby powder at each step (reduces

friction between folds, absorbs moisture). Smooth out any excess air between steps.Folding:

1) The chute needs to be flat, with the shroud connections aligned. This can be done two ways:a) Grasp the parachute in the center. Pull on the shroud lines and wiggle until the parachute folds

itself into a set of pleated triangular shapes; orb) Fold parachute in half horizontally, so that the fold is away from you and the shroud lines run

towards you without tangling. Then fold parachute, in left over right direction, repeating until allthe shroud attachment points align (3 or 4 times, usually).

2) You now have a triangle with strings coming off one corner, or a kite shape with strings coming offthe point at the bottom. If you have the kite shape, fold the left half over the right to get the triangle.

3) Fold the top point down to the mid-point of the bottom.From here, there are several techniques to finish the fold. Feel free to try them out.

The mass market kits tend toward

simpler methods to finish off the fold.

(Estes)4) Roll the parachute from each side toward themiddle. Roll tightly enough to fit in tube.

5) Wrap all shroud lines loosely aroundparachute.

(Quest, after original Carlisle Rock-a Chute)

4) Roll parachute starting from top fold,moving toward bottom.

5) Continue roll to wrap shroud lines aroundparachute.

Most competition fliers insist that you never

wrap shroud lines around the parachute.

(Giant Leap Rocketry)4) Place all shroud lines onto the chute5) Fold left half over right, trapping lines.6) Roll from top to bottom.(Apogee Z-Fold)4) Place all shroud lines onto the chute5) Fold left and right outer edges inward over,

trapping lines.

6) Fan fold top over bottom (the Z-factor) toreduce it to the desired length.

7)

Roll from top to bottom.

After Folding:

Wrap with a single square of tissue wadding if desired. Slide parachute into tube. The chute must slide freely. Follow with shock cord.Copyright 2011 W. Robert Portnell. All rights reserved. Permission granted to duplicate and distribute providing no content

is changed, including this notice.