Since the first men jumped from airplanes in wartime conditions, technology has given us better, safer and faster ways.
Parachute History
While there were fictional accounts of people jumping from high places using some type of instrument to slow their speed, the earliest drawing comes from the 1470’s when a manuscript had a drawing of a man holding onto a wooden frame that is attached to his waist and also to a canopy.
Not long after, Leonardo da Vinci sketched a more accurate model in scale.
While many claimed some had used these drawings to make jumps, no records were recorded and verified.
The first verified jump was by the inventor of the modern parachute, Louis-Sébastien Lenormand made the first jump in 1785.
Humans kept bettering the chute and now we have designs that are phenomenal.
One of the newest parachute designs that some military airborne personnel use is the MT1X parachute.
In today’s post, I am going to give you some cool facts about this chute. Here are the top 10 cool facts about the MT1X parachute.
#1: They Are Ram-Air Parachutes
Ram-air parachutes are made of 2 layers of fabric. Within these layers are ribs that create “air cells.” Vents in the front of the chute fill these cells with air from high pressure and this makes the chute inflate.
These types of parachutes are much easier to control and the jumper can land at a slower momentum.
#2: Used For Halo And Haho
While the MT1X was engineered for conventional military jumps and can be used with static line deployment, they are used even more by special operations in freefall, high altitude jumps.
Halo stands for High Altitude – Low Opening. This means the jumper will freefall for long distances and open their chute near the ground.
Haho stands for High Altitude – High Opening. The jumper will glide through the air for a longer period of time.
#3: Highest Live Testing Of The MT1X
These parachutes have been live tested at a height of 30,000 Mean Sea Level (MSL) feet. That is over 9 miles.
#4: Manufacturer
The makers of the MT1X Parachute is Para Flite Inc. in Pennsauken, New Jersey.
#5: Both Main And Reserve Are Identical
Both the main and reserve chutes on the MT1X system are identical Ram-Air parachutes. They both have 7 air cells.
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#6: Weight Maximum
The MT1X has a good weight tolerance. They can handle up to 360 pounds maximum.
#7: Canopy Size
The size of the MT1X canopy is 370 square feet.
#8: Attachments For Oxygen
These were designed to easily attach an oxygen supply since jumpers are coming from seriously high altitudes.
#9: Stealth Coloration
The design was also made to make these as invisible as possible to enemies on the ground.
#10: Amazing Control
Controlling these parachutes is so much better than the old round parachutes used years ago.
Here is a video where you can ride along…
Final Thoughts
So, let’s hear from all of you who have jumped with the MT1X.
Tell us about the ride.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.

Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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