Why does PD not build reserves from zero-p fabric?
There are several reasons why we do not use zero-p fabric in our reserves. One reason involves the possibility of zero-p fabric sticking to itself. While PD Reserves have opened normally after staying packed for over a year, we have seen zero-p main canopies completely stuck together after staying packed for the same period of time. Our reserves also opened normally after being frozen, baked in an oven at 200 F, or compressed with more than 200 lbs (90 kg) of weight for over 17 days. Another major concern involves tear strength at high speeds. Tears, friction burns, and other types of damage can be caused by something as simple as lines or a riser dragging past the reserve as it deploys. If a tear or other type of failure occurs on an F-111 type canopy, it is likely to be self-contained and landable. With zero-p fabric, damage tends to be catastrophic and makes the canopy unlandable. Also, burn damage is much harder to detect on zero-p. Frequently burn damage just looks like a crease i
There are several reasons why we do not use zero-p fabric in our reserves. One reason involves the possibility of zero-p fabric sticking to itself. While PD Reserves have opened normally after staying packed for over a year, we have seen zero-p main canopies completely stuck together after staying packed for the same period of time. Our reserves also opened normally after being frozen, baked in an oven at 200 F, or compressed with more than 200 lbs (90 kg) of weight for over 17 days. Another major concern involves tear strength at high speeds. Tears, friction burns, and other types of damage can be caused by something as simple as lines or a riser dragging past the reserve as it deploys. If a tear or other type of failure occurs on an “F-111” type canopy, it is likely to be self-contained and landable. With zero-p fabric, damage tends to be catastrophic and makes the canopy unlandable. Also, burn damage is much harder to detect on zero-p. Frequently burn damage just looks like a crease
