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zakwebb · Jul 25, 2011, 09:45 AM

Now they use rectangular ones

twinkiedooter · Jul 25, 2011, 09:54 AM

Probably get better aerodynamics from rectangular ones vs circular ones.

excon · Jul 25, 2011, 09:56 AM

Hello z:

You couldn't steer the circular ones.. You can with the rectangular ones... They are actually wings.

excon

jcaron2 · Jul 25, 2011, 01:56 PM

Round parachutes are basically uncontrolled. They simply allow you to fall at a safe speed, but with no ability to steer. Where you land is purely a function of where you opened your chute and what the winds do during your decent. You fall at a relatively constant rate of speed in the neighborhood of 10-15 mph (which doesn't exactly make for a soft landing). And if you happen to get blown toward a tree or a lake or a high-tension power line or an enemy encampment, you're out of luck.

Rectangular parachutes (called parafoil or "ram air" chutes), on the other hand, allow you to steer with high precision and maneuverability, as excon said above. Not only does this allow you to avoid obstacles and land where you choose, but since ram air chutes act like wings, they also allow for considerable lift with forward speed. This lets you perform a flared landing, just like in an airplane, allowing for a soft, easy touchdown.

Obviously, parafoil chutes are much preferred for sport diving due to the aforementioned advantages. Round chutes still exist, but it's pretty rare to see somebody using one on purpose.

zakwebb · Jul 26, 2011, 11:36 AM

Thanks everyone!

zakwebb · Jul 30, 2011, 03:28 AM

Thx that's a very detailed awnser plus thanks to the rest of the awnsers 2