Parachute

Parachute, collapsible, umbrellalike device used to retard movement through the air. It was invented in the late 18th century by French aeronaut Jacques Garnerin for descent from a balloon. When opened—either manually, by pulling a ripcord, or automatically, by a line attached to the aircraft—the canopy traps a large air mass, which produces the desired drag force. The canopy consists of numerous strong panels of canvas, silk, and nylon and has a series of cords connecting to a harness worn by the user. Parachutes are used for safe descent from airplanes, for dropping cargo from airplanes, and as braking devices for returning space vehicles, rockets, and airplanes. Sport parachuting, or skydiving, is a popular sport.