> Design and Construction > Canopy Design > Construction Concepts and Techniques

TS-100 describes the various ram-air construction methods such as half-cell chordwise, full-cell “I” beam chordwise, full-cell interlocking “T” chordwise, and spanwise configurations. When learning the various construction methods, the beginning rigger can become confused as to how the seams are folded together. Seeing the schematic diagrams of the various configurations can help in the repair sequence.

Round parachute construction is divided into two primary techniques: bias and block construction. Bias construction is most prevalent in the early parachutes and military designs. It is generally the stronger of the two techniques due to its ability to stretch more during opening. In biasconstruction, the fabric is cut and sewn so that the warp and filler threads are at 45 degrees to the centerline of the gore. A typical example is the 28' C-9 canopy.

Block construction is where the warp threads of the panels are parallel to the hem of the canopy. Block construction gained in popularity in the lightweight sport reserves of the 1970s and 1980s. They were easier to build and packed smaller. An example of this design is the Phantom/Aerostar canopies, manufactured by National Parachute Industries, Inc.