NATIONAL EMERGENCY PARACHUTES were developed with the pilot in mind. Our high quality parachutes don't require unnecessary hardware or pack stiffening plates to maintain their shape. Efficient engineering went into all models right from the start. They feel and work great and will continue to for years. An investment in SAFETY, COMFORT and STYLE will pay off now.. and may someday SAVE YOUR LIFE!
In our 30th anniversary year, National is pleased to announce we have manufactured and sold over 16,000 parachutes!
UPDATE: In recent years, aerobatics aircraft have seen a vast increase in performance and speed. During various maneuvers it is common to exceed 200 knots.
Parachutes, on the other hand, have not kept up with this increase. The typical "modern emergency parachute" (of various makes) manufactured in the 80's and 90's is rated up to a maximum deployment speed of 140-150 kts.
With the above parameters in mind, we developed the National line of emergency parachutes. Over twenty-five years and 15,000 parachutes later, we earned numerous letters of appreciation for saved lives.
The question some pilots now ask is "what will happen if I bail out and open the parachute at 200+ knots? The answer is "we can not predict the results." Although testing requires a margin of safety, we have no way to determine the breaking point. Our parachutes are rated at and clearly display a placard indicating 140 knots is the maximum deployment speed.
Emergencies come in different varieties. In a "high air speed" situation (beyond 140-150 kts.) the aircraft may become "aerodynamically dirty" and slow down considerably. If circumstances require an immediate "high air speed" bail out, we strongly advise the pilot to delay pulling the ripcord for 3-4 seconds after bailing out. In that short time, the human body in free fall will decelerate rapidly to air speeds falling within design parameters.
Recommended Pilot Wt. ...Up to 177 lbs.
Recommended Pilot Wt. ...Up to 208 lbs.
Recommended Pilot Wt. ...Up to 241 lbs.