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How to Quickly Pack an Elliptical Parachute

This method is typical for rocketry where you are packing in the field. Wrapping the lines around the Z-folded canopy will compress the parachute so that it fits without binding. If done carefully, it will give you a tight pack and a reliable deployment. However, it is critical to wrap the lines carefully!

Also see:  How To Fold a Parachute - Use this pictorial to see the best practices for folding and preparing the Iris Parachute for packing into any type of vehicle.

NOTE: If you are packing the Skycat or Harrier launchers, then please refer to the help files for these products. You can see how to pack the Peregrine UAV Canister here.

IMPORTANT: UNDERSTAND THAT WE MAKE NO WARRANTY THAT THIS IS THE BEST WAY OR THAT IT WILL WORK IN YOUR CASE. AS ALWAYS, YOU TAKE FULL RESONSIBILITY TO ENSURE YOUR PARACHUTE IS PROPERLY PACKED AND THAT A SUTABLE DEPLOYMENT METHOD IS PROVIDED! Now that this is out of the way, we can begin!

Pictorial:

In this Pictorial, I show how I like to pack a 42" elliptical parachute to fit my EVE rocket. The EVE is a 2.6" diameter rocket, so the parachute needs to be packed tight. This method works well on parachutes up to about 84". For parachutes at 96" and larger, we recommend a deployment bag. It is the same as how I fold the Iris Ultra parachute in the video once the shroud lines are shaken so the lines are fully extended.

Classic elliptical parachute

42" parachute I'm packing.

Elliptical parachute laid out

Step 1 - Open and either lay out or "fluff" your parachute.

Elliptical parachute laid out with shroud lines gathered

Step 2 - Grab all the shroud lines and organize the gores (panels) of the parachute.

Demonstration of folding elliptical parachute gores

Step 3 - Fold over the gores on both sides towards the center. You want to organize the parachute until it is about 15% of the diameter of the parachute size. For a 42" parachute, it should be about 5" wide.

Demonstration of folding elliptical parachute into thirds

Step 4 - "Z" fold the parachute into thirds.

Demonstration of pulling parachute fabric around the edge and onto the top

Step 5 - Pull the fabric on the underside of the parachute around the edge and onto the top. You want the fabric on the underside to be smooth with no folds.

Demonstration of folding parachute in half

Step 6 - Form a crease down the center of the folded parachute.

Demonstration of bringing parachute shroud lines into the fold

Step 7 - Bring the shroud line bundle up the crease to about 1/3 of the distance from the end. IMPORTANT: Do not bring the shroud lines to the very end. It is important that you do not allow a shroud line to wrap over the end of the parachute and possibly result in a tangle!

Demonstration of wrapping shroud lines around the parachute

Step 8 - Now start to wrap the shroud lines around the parachute. Note that the back of the parachute is smooth with the material all pulled around into the crease.

Demonstration of wrapping shroud lines around the parachute

Step 8 (cont) - As I wrap, note how the lines are not twisted. IMPORTANT: Don't just grab the lines and wrap these like you might wind kite string on a spool. Each wrap will result in a twist!

Demonstration of wrapping shroud lines around the parachute

Step 8 (cont) - Stop when you reach the end of the parachute. IMPORTANT: Note that the shroud lines stop wrapping and exit on the same end as the lines connected to the canopy. Again, this assures that they can't wrap over the end of the parachute.

Airframe stuffed with Nomex blanket parachute protector

Step 9 - Now you can pack your parachute into the airframe. First, put in your parachute protector. I use a Fruity Chutes Nomex protector for this.

Demonstration of z-folding parachute shock cord

Step 10 - Z-Fold your shock cord. IMPORTANT: Do not coil up the lines as they can form a knot.

Z-folded parachute shock cord secured with a rubber band

Step 11 - Once you have Z-folded the shock cord, loosely wrap a small rubber band around it so that it comes off easily. It functions to keep the cord organized.

Demonstration of inserting parachute into airframe

Step 12 - I like to put the cord in first since most of it will be below the open parachute.

Demonstration of inserting parachute into airframe

Step 13 - Now push in the parachute with the shroud lines going in last. Make sure the protector folds around the parachute evenly so that protection is maximized around the entire parachute.

Demonstration of inserting parachute into airframe

Step 13 (cont.) - Be sure that the last wrap of shroud lines goes in cleanly. If you have to force the parachute in, you probably have a problem.

Demonstration of securing the parachute's quick-link to the rigging and nose cone

Step 14 - Now quick-link the parachute to your rigging and nose cone. Pop on your nose cone and you're DONE!

Next: How to Pack a Deployment Bag