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The Parachute Recovery Systems Design Manual
by T.W. Knacke 
Provides the tools to evaluate, select, design, test, manufacture, and operate parachute recovery systems. These systems range from simple, one-parachute assemblies to multiple-parachute systems, and include equipment for impact attenuation, flotation, location, retrieval, and disposition. All system aspects are discussed, including the selection of the most suitable recovery system concept, a computerized approach to parachute performance, force and stress analysis, geometric gore design, component layout, material selection, system design, manufacturing, and in-service maintenance. This is the last word in technical design manuals for recovery systems. Theo Knacke is the parachute engineer's engineer. He is the ultimate authority on escape systems, landing deceleration canopies, aerial delivery clusters, personnel parachutes and spacecraft recovery systems. The manual was written for the US Navy and is published by Para Publishing under contract. 

This Terrific Resource -  $49.00

Softcover 8.5 x 11 Kivar cover, 512 pages, 280 illustration, 78 tables. ISBN 0-915516-85-3.

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The Parachute Manual, 
A Technical Treatise on Aerodynamic Decelerators
by Dan Poynter 
Covers everything there is to know about the parachute: Packing, rigging, alterations, design, repairs, materials, regulations, manufacture, specifications, loft layout, rigging tools, all the personnel parachute assemblies and parts with change notices and much, much more. The Manual, known as the Bible to parachute riggers everywhere, is in use by all branches of the US Armed Services, the Forest Service and many foreign governments. 

Now two volumes are available as a set.

The Parachute Manual, Volume I, by Dan Poynter. Covers all parachutes through 1984 plus historical information, "round" canopies and US military parachutes.

Volume I - $49.00

Third edition, completely revised, soft cover, 8.5 x 11 Kivar cover, 592 pages, 2,200 photos and drawings, over 15,000 in print. 
ISBN 0-915516-35-7. 
 

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The Parachute Manual, Volume II, by Dan Poynter. Covers all parachute since 1985 plus more on "square" ram-air canopies, sport piggyback harness/container systems, new materials and construction techniques. 

Volume II - $49.00

Fourth edition, completely revised, soft cover, 8.5 x 11 Kivar cover, 416 pages, 821 photos and drawings, over 7,000 in print.
ISBN 0-915516-80-2.

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Reviews and Testimonials
Author Information

 
 
 
 
 

 
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The Parachute Recovery Systems Design Manual
by T.W. Knacke 

Designing Recovery Systems

Here is everything there is to know about recovery systems from the earliest models to the latest, most advanced parachutes. This incredible compilation of parachute design information provides you with tools to evaluate, select, design, test, manufacture, and operate parachute recovery systems. They range from simple, one-parachute assemblies to multiple-parachute systems. All aspects are discussed, including the need for parachute recovery, the selection of the most suitable recovery system concept, a computerized approach to parachute performance, force and stress analysis, geometric gore design, component layout, material selection, system design, manufacturing, and in-service maintenance. In short, this is the last word in technical design manuals for recovery systems.

"Theo Knacke has made major contributions to Sandia's high performance parachute programs since 1954 through his publications, design manuals, parachute short courses and generous advice. This excellent design manual adds even more stature to his international reputation as a parachute expert." 
-Randy Maydew, Manager, Aerodynamics, Sandia National Laboratories (retired). 

"This book provides the necessary tools to evaluate, select, design, test, manufacture and operate parachute recovery systems, laying stress on contemporary practice. A 'must' for parachute engineers." 
-David Cockrell, University of Leicester, England. 
Recipient of the 1989 AIAA Aerodynamic Decelerator Award. 
"Here is an outstanding and exhaustive study of round parachutes by the pre-eminent engineer in the field."
-Dan Poynter, author, The Parachute Manual. 

Theo Knacke is the parachute engineer's engineer. He has spent a lifetime working in all phases of parachute research, development and application in both Germany and the United States. He is the authority on escape systems, landing deceleration canopies, aerial delivery clusters, personnel parachutes and spacecraft recovery systems. Mr. Knacke served as Chief of the Technical Staff for both the Gemini and Apollo Spacecraft Landing Systems. He is known worldwide for his lectures sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and hosted by the University of Minnesota. 

This handy reference will provide you with everything there is to know about parachute engineering and design. 

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The Parachute Recovery Systems Design Manual Table of Contents

Chapter One
Introduction

Chapter 2
Parachute recovery system definitions and descriptions

Chapter 3
Units of measurement, technical tables, and symbols.

Chapter 4
Aerodynamics as related to Parachutes

Chapter 5
Parachute characteristics and performance

Chapter 6
Design of parachute assembly and components

Chapter 7
Design of parachute recovery and landing systems

Chapter 8
Parachute recovery systems applications

Figures

Tables

Reference Material

Index

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Reviews

The Recovery Systems Design Manual

By Theo Knacke

"This Manual's purposes to provide recovery system engineers in government and industry with tools to evaluate, analyze, select, and design parachute recovery systems." -International Aerospace Abstracts

"Since it represents distilled wisdom received from a very experienced parachute design engineer this book is invaluable. This book makes a significant contribution to aeronautical engineering." 
-David Cockrell, The Aeronautical Journal, The Royal Aeronautical Society. 

"The last word in technical design manuals for recovery systems." 
-CanPara magazine, The Canadian Sport Parachuting Association.

"The Parachute Recovery Systems Design Manual by Theo Knacke is simply an incredible compilation of parachute design information." 
-ParaGliding, the magazine.

"An incredible compilation of parachute design information." 
-B.C. Sport Parachute Council Newsletter.

Theo Knacke's book has also been reviewed in Sport Parachutist magazine, the Netherlands, International Human Flight magazin, Austria, and Fallshirm Sport magazin, Austria.

This book was written for the Naval Weapons Center at China Lake by Mr. Knacke. The Navy contracted with Dan Poynter's Para Publishing to publish the book and make it available to both the military and civilian markets.

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Theodor W. Knacke is the parachute engineer's engineer. He has spent a lifetime working in all phases of parachute research, development and application in both Germany and the United States. He is the authority on escape systems, landing deceleration canopies, aerial delivery clusters, personnel parachutes and spacecraft recovery systems. 

Mr. Knacke has B.S. degrees in civil and aeronautical engineering and an M.S. degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Stuttgart in 1939. After one year with Heinkel Aircraft, he joined the FIST Institute of the University of Stuttgart working primarily on the in-flight and landing deceleration of aircraft. This resulted in the creation of the ribbon canopy in 1938, of which he is a co-inventor. 

After coming to the United States in 1946, Mr. Knacke served as a research engineer at the USAF Parachute Branch at Wright Field; from 1952 to 1957 as Technical Director of the USAF 6511th Test Group (Parachutes) at El Centro, California; from 1957-1961 as vice-president of engineering at Space Recovery Systems in El Segundo, California; and from 1962 through 1976 as Chief of the Technical Staff (Recovery Systems) at the Ventura Division of the Northrop Corporation in Newbury Park, California. His responsibilities during this time covered all areas of missile, drone, and spacecraft recovery, including the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo earth landing systems, ordinance retardation, aircraft escape and deceleration and related projects. 

Since retiring from Northrop in 1977, Mr. Knacke has been a consulting engineer to the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and industry. He holds numerous patents, has published more than 30 papers and reports, and lectures extensively. He is known worldwide for his lectures sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and hosted by the University of Minnesota. 

Mr. Knacke was given the Achievement Award by the National Association for Remotely Piloted Vehicles in 1975. He is a Fellow of the AIAA and was awarded the AIAA Aerodynamic Decelerator and Balloon Technology Award in 1981. 

The photographs on the cover of this manual were specially selected to represent some of the major projects of the author. Mr. Knacke is in active retirement in Carmel, California. 

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The Parachute Manual, Volumes One and Two

"The Complete Parachute Encyclopedia"

Here is everything there is to know about personnel parachutes from the earliest round models to the latest, most advanced gliding wings: Volume I covers all parachutes through 1984 plus historical information, round canopies and U.S. military parachutes.
Volume II covers all parachutes since 1985 plus more on "square" ram-air canopies, sport piggyback harness/container systems, new materials and construction techniques.
"When it comes to parachute rigging and repair, this book is the Bible." óSandy Reid, Rigging Innovations.

"Here is an outstanding and exhaustive study of ram-air parachutes." óTheo Knacke, parachute designer.
"Dan Poynter has contributed more to parachute literature than any other author." óDan Tarasievich, President, Parachute Industry Association.

Dan Poynter is a parachute designer, master parachute rigger, pilot and teacher of parachute repair with over 1,200 jumps. Since 1962, his mission has been to improve the industry through the publication of helpful and useful information on parachutes. To date, he has contributed 29 books, including revisions, and more than 200 magazine articles on parachutes.

These handy references will provide you with everything there is to know about parachutes.

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Table of Contents

Chapter One
Parachute Regulations

Chapter Two
The Parachute Rigger's Certificate

Chapter Three
The Parachute Loft

Chapter Four
Parachute Materials

Chapter Five
Personnel Parachute Assemblies

Chapter Six
Parachute Component Parts

Chapter Seven
Maintenance, Alteration & Manufacturing

Chapter Eight
Parachute Design & Construction

Chapter Nine
Parachute Inspection and Packing

Appendix

Product name/Brand name-index

Glossary-Index

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Reviews and Testimonials

Read what others are saying about
The Parachute Manual  By Dan Poynter

"The definitive work on the history, development, design; repair and maintenance of parachute equipment" - Aviation/Space magazine.

"The most comprehensive work on the jungle of parachutes and parachute hardware ever placed in one stack. Dan fills in all the gaps left between documented nostalgia and modern technique with his own vast knowledge of parachuting. The Parachute Manual has become the standard reference in both design and manufacturing work for all aspects of personnel parachutes, mater.ials, design, hardware, packing and construction for both military and civilian systems" - Survival And Flight Equipment Journal

"The Parachute Manual is being used as a guide throughout the aviation branch of the Coast Guard. I might say, it is the most informative I have seen in my 23 years service" - MCPO C.J. Dugan, USCG Institute.

"This new manual is an essential addition to the literature." - Royal Aeronautical Society, Aerospace magazine.

"This well-known aviation reference has been accepted as the authority on parachutes by nearly every manufacturer and government." - Aviation/Space Writers Association, AWA Newsletter.

"Poynter puts the technical part of parachute design and construction in plain language that non-engineers can understand." - Skydiving Magazine.

"This is a book a parascender can browse through for hours." - British Association of Parascending Clubs Skywalker magazine.

"A must if you have any interest at all in parachutes and related equipment" - Canadian Parachutist Magazine.

"No one has written more than Dan Poynter about the technical aspects of parachuting equipment. For 30 years, he's been totally committed to parachuting, flying and rigging. The Parachute Manual has already established itself as the ultimate authority on parachute equipment. It is certainly the rigger's 'Bible'. I make no apology for repeating that I believe every club ought to have a copy and that all club members be encouraged to devour its contents." - British Sport Parachutist magazine.

"If there is a scrap of information about a parachute, past or present, which has escaped the indomitable search of author-publisher Poynter, it must be still blowin' in the wind." - The Fayetteville Observer-Times.

"The Parachute Manual is definitely everything you wanted to know about parachutes but were afraid to ask. I feel the manual is a must for every jumper, not just riggers" - Southwest Skydiving Newsletter.

"A valuable reference for riggers, parachute lofts and anyone who is interested in gaining knowledge about parachute equipment." - Relative Wind newsletter.

After a fourth revised printing, over 25,000 copies are in print.

The Parachute Manual has been selected by the U.S. Parachute Association for offer to its members.

PM has been mentioned in Aviation Monthly (HBJ), Parachutist, The Madison Review of Books, Explorers Limited Source Book, SAFE Journal, Quincy (MA) Sun, Fallschirm Sport Magazin, The Static Line, Parachutist magazine, and many other periodicals.

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Dan Poynter is past president of the Parachute Industry Association, past Chairman of the Board of the U.S. Parachute Association, an expert parachutist with all the highest licenses and ratings, pilot and a master parachute rigger who has written more books on parachutes and skydiving than any other author. He has made more than 1,200 jumps since 1962.

Over the years he has written and published more than 75 books, 50 reports, 500 magazine articles, 10 audiotapes, videotapes, CDs and disks. His books have been translated into seven other languages.

Dan Poynter's seminars have been featured on CNN, his books have been pictured in The Wall Street Journal and his story has been told and U.S. News & World Report. The media comes to him because he is the leading authority in this field.

Dan made the North Pole jump in 1994 and directed the International Parachute Symposium in 1997 and 1999.

Dan is one of skydiving's most energetic, experienced and respected leaders. He resides in Santa Barbara, California.

Para Publishing was founded in 1969 to collect, process, publish and disseminate critical safety information on parachute design and skydiving techniques. Initially in North Quincy, Massachusetts, it was moved to Santa Barbara in 1974. The company expanded into other books, tapes, reports, disks, seminars, speeches, consulting, etc. on other subjects. It published the first book on hang gliding, a circular book on Frisbee play, the first book on word processors, the first laser-typeset book, it was the first publisher to send galleys by modem, published the first book on speech recognition for writers and many other firsts. The company publishes several authors and most of Dan Poynter's work.

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