Parachute apparatus having enhanced radar reflective characteristics

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The parachute apparatus of the present invention provides enhanced radar reflective characteristics while at the same time allowing for accurate and controlled airborne descent for loads suspended therefrom.
The configuration of the parachute includes a canopy which is deployable for facilitating controlled airborne descent.
Also included is a plurality of suspension members extending downwardly and inwardly from the canopy while converging inwardly toward one another to define an area of confluence therebelow to facilitate supporting of a load from the canopy.
A load securement location is defined on the suspension members within the area of confluence thereof which is detachably securable with respect to a load as desired selectively in order to allow support thereof by the suspension members and the canopy for facilitating control of airborne descent.
A radar reflective member is also included which is at least partially radar reflective and is secured to the suspension members in such a manner as to extend therebetween.
This enhanced radar reflective member preferably includes multiple panel members attached with respect to one another and with respect to the suspension members in order to form the radar reflective member.
In the preferred configuration, the panels of the radar reflective member are made of a flexible material which allows for packing thereof along with the canopy prior to deployment and allows for deployment of the radar reflective member simultaneously with the canopy at the time of use.
In the preferred configuration of the suspension members of the parachute apparatus, they define two specific sections, firstly, a plurality of suspension lines which are attached directly to the canopy and extend downwardly therefrom.
Secondly, a plurality of suspension risers are attached to these suspension lines and extend downwardly therefrom to the area of confluence.
In the preferred normal configuration a number of suspension lines will be twenty and the number of suspension risers will be four