parachute
Enable an AI agent to recognise a parachute, assess its configuration and readiness, and identify permitted uses or required interventions from evidence about its deployment, aerodynamic function and load compatibility.
Bundle → Layer → Finding → Questions Filled
6 bundles · 11 layers · 18 findings · 30 questions
Identity and aerodynamic role Establishes what parachute is represented and what deceleration or descent function it serves.
Assembly identity
Identifies the represented unit and separates it from its components and host system.
Traceable assembly boundary
Record identifying marks and the components included in this parachute instance.
- Which manufacturer, model, serial number and configuration identifiers establish this parachute's identity? provenance
- Does this instance include the canopy alone, or also suspension, risers, deployment equipment, container and harness? boundary
Intended function
Separates the parachute's assigned role from resemblance to neighbouring aerodynamic devices.
Documented parachute role
Record the intended deceleration or descent function and whether the unit acts independently or within another parachute system.
- Is this parachute intended for personnel descent, cargo delivery, braking, recovery, drogue service or another specified function? definition
- What documentation distinguishes its role from a paraglider, kite or auxiliary deployment component? boundary
Canopy, suspension and control Describes the aerodynamic surface and how its forces reach and influence the attached load.
Aerodynamic surface
Records canopy construction and the geometry against which its condition can be assessed.
Canopy configuration
Capture the design-specific arrangement of panels, cells, vents or slots and its reference dimensions.
- Which canopy form, materials and inflation or airflow features define this design? definition
- What are its documented area and principal dimensions, and which measurement conventions apply? measurement
Force transmission and controls
Records suspension routing, attachment interfaces and any steering or braking mechanism.
Load path and control continuity
Establish the intended connections from canopy to load and the configuration of any control lines or actuators.
- How are canopy forces transmitted through lines, connectors and risers or equivalent parts to the attached load? definition
- Which inspection evidence establishes correct suspension routing, attachment security and control configuration? provenance
Deployment and inflation Models the transition from stowed assembly to a functioning aerodynamic surface.
Initiation and extraction
Identifies the trigger and components responsible for releasing and extracting the canopy.
Deployment dependency chain
Record the specified initiating event and the linked release, extraction and sequencing components.
- What initiates deployment, and which fitted components must act between initiation and canopy extraction? definition
- What configuration checks and authorisations are required before those deployment components may be armed or used? action
Opening sequence
Records the design-specific progression toward inflation and evidence of abnormal opening.
Inflation progression
Represent expected deployment stages and observed deviations without assuming that canopy extraction establishes successful opening.
- Which stages, including any reefing or staged inflation, define the documented opening sequence? definition
- What observations establish completed inflation, and what evidence records incomplete, delayed or asymmetric opening? measurement
Load and operating envelope Connects the intended load and deployment conditions to configuration-specific performance evidence.
Supported load compatibility
Establishes the actual load and its mechanical compatibility with the parachute.
Mass and attachment fit
Record supported mass, attachment arrangement and evidence that the combination is permitted.
- What total mass will be supported, and which person, equipment, payload and parachute components are included in that value? measurement
- Which documentation supports compatibility of this parachute with the proposed harness, payload fittings or vehicle attachment? provenance
Performance and use limits
Separates demonstrated or authorised operating conditions from unsupported expectations.
Configuration-specific envelope
Record applicable operating limits and performance evidence with their test conditions and uncertainties.
- What source establishes the permitted deployment conditions and loading limits for this exact configuration? provenance
- What descent, opening-load, drag or glide measurements are available, and under what mass and environmental conditions were they obtained? measurement
- Does the intended use satisfy every applicable limit, or must suitability remain undetermined? action
Condition, packing and release Connects material condition, packing history and service records to a bounded readiness determination.
Material condition and history
Records damage, exposure, repairs and use events relevant to the canopy and deployment assembly.
Condition evidence
Track observed defects and relevant history against design-specific inspection and retirement criteria.
- What inspection findings document canopy fabric, seams, suspension lines, connectors and fitted deployment components? measurement
- What records exist for deployments, unusual opening loads, contamination, moisture exposure, repairs and component replacements? provenance
- Which applicable criteria require further inspection, repair, quarantine or retirement? action
Packing and serviceability
Records how the assembly was prepared and who established its current permitted-use status.
Bounded readiness determination
Link packing and release evidence to a particular configuration and use, retaining unresolved prerequisites.
- Who packed and inspected the parachute, when, under which instructions, and with what recorded configuration or seal evidence where applicable? provenance
- What applicable checks, service intervals and unresolved discrepancies determine whether this assembly may be released for its intended use? action
Evidence and external alignment What the world already says about this thing, gathered so the model can be checked against it.
Reported evidence
Findings from the breadth pass, kept separate from the structural claims.
Kinds and varieties
Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.
- Which of these kinds and varieties hold for the sense of parachute this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Identifiers and schemes
Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.
- Which of these identifiers and schemes hold for the sense of parachute this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Standards and regulation
Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.
- Which of these standards and regulation hold for the sense of parachute this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Real-world use
Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.
- Which of these real-world use hold for the sense of parachute this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Typical measurements
Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.
- Which of these typical measurements hold for the sense of parachute this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Failure modes and hazards
Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.
- Which of these failure modes and hazards hold for the sense of parachute this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Regional variation
Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.
- Which of these regional variation hold for the sense of parachute this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart
Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.
- Which of these neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart hold for the sense of parachute this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Classifiers Filled
- Family
- Thing Registry
- Category
- Physical world and living systems
- Entry kind
- thing
- Plane
- PHY
- Domain
- PHY.OBJ
- Other names and narrower kinds
- Viking Aircraft Viking II, parafoil, Parachute SOV-3, Parachute Silhouette 260, Parachute NOVA, Parachute AD-2000, paraglider, deep sea chute, drogue parachute, toy parachute, rescue parachute, reserve parachute
What it is Filled
A parachute is a deployable aerodynamic decelerator whose textile canopy, once inflated, produces drag and, in ram-air designs, lift, so that a person, cargo, vehicle or returning spacecraft can be slowed, stabilized or steered through an atmosphere after release, ejection or re-entry.
In scope
- Parachute identity, intended role and assembly boundaries
- Canopy geometry, suspension arrangement and control features
- Deployment method, opening sequence and deployment dependencies
- Documented operating envelope and compatibility with the supported load
- Packing, inspection, damage, maintenance and readiness evidence
Out of scope
- Aircraft or spacecraft design beyond parachute installation and deployment interfaces
- Jumper competence, health and licensing
- Payload design beyond attachment, mass and deployment constraints
- Weather forecasting, terrain assessment and landing-zone management
- Paragliders, kites and other aerodynamic devices whose primary function is outside the recorded parachute role
- Complete mission planning and emergency procedures owned by the operator or host system
Why it exists Filled
Enable an AI agent to recognise a parachute, assess its configuration and readiness, and identify permitted uses or required interventions from evidence about its deployment, aerodynamic function and load compatibility.
Distinguishing features Filled
- Determine whether its documented role is to deploy an aerodynamic surface to decelerate or control descent of an attached load, rather than merely cover, contain or protect it.
- Look for an identifiable load path from the aerodynamic surface through suspension or equivalent attachments to the supported person, payload or vehicle.
- Distinguish a ram-air parachute from a similar-looking paraglider by its documented deployment method and intended operating role, rather than canopy shape alone.
- Distinguish a complete parachute assembly from a canopy, pilot chute or deployment bag sold or recorded as a component.
- Distinguish a standalone drogue parachute from a drogue that functions only as a deployment component by checking its assigned role and system boundary.
What robots and AI may and may not do Filled
Must not
- Pack, repair or certify a parachute without being authorized as a rigger.
- Clear a parachute for use when its inspection or reserve repack has expired.
- Alter a canopy or harness outside the maker's limits.
- Release cargo or a person by parachute over people or without clearance.
Only with a human decision
- Deciding that a parachute is fit for a jump.
- Approving a drop of people or cargo.
May
- Record packing, inspection and service dates for a parachute and its reserve.
- Report wear, damage or expired inspections to the owner and rigger.
Moral aspects Filled
- A parachute failure is usually fatal; there is no margin for shortcuts.
- Air drops can endanger people on the ground.
Who is affected
- Jumpers
- Aircrew
- People on the ground
Owners Filled
Steward
The owner of the parachute; a certified rigger answers for packing and inspection.
Master systems
- Aviation authority rigger records
Links to other meta-models Filled
parent
- Q3030569 - registry parent class
What else AI and robots need to interact with it Filled
Identity and identifiers required Filled
- Vercy registry: vr.tr.parachute
- Wikidata: Q482816 (https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q482816)
Direct properties required Filled
- Parachute role: Personnel main; personnel reserve; cargo descent; vehicle braking; recovery; drogue; other documented role
- Canopy construction: Recorded geometry, aerodynamic form, material and porosity specification where available
- Canopy reference area: m², with the manufacturer's area convention recorded
- Attached load: Person, payload or vehicle, including its attachment configuration
- Total supported mass: kg, with included equipment and assembly mass explicitly identified
- Deployment method: Recorded initiation and extraction method, including manual, static-line or automatic dependencies where fitted
- Documented operating envelope: Applicable evidence for mass, deployment speed, altitude, environmental and configuration limits
- Steering and descent controls: None documented; passive stabilisation; active steering or braking, with mechanism specified
- Physical and packing state: Unpacked; packed; deploying; inflated; collapsed; damaged; unknown, with separate condition observations
- Serviceability determination: Undetermined; released for a specified use; restricted; quarantined; retired, with evidence and responsible authority
Recognition required Filled
- An inflated parachute has a broad fabric canopy connected to its load by suspension lines or comparable load bearing attachments.
- Round designs form a dome, while ram-air designs form a wing with multiple inflated cells.
- A packed parachute is enclosed in a deployment container whose labels and system components are needed to distinguish it reliably from an ordinary pack.
Capabilities and actions required Filled
- Identify the parachute and reconcile its installed components with a documented configuration.
- Compare an intended load and deployment scenario with the applicable operating envelope.
- Request or record inspection, packing and maintenance by an appropriately authorised person.
- Identify missing deployment dependencies, incompatible attachments or unresolved condition evidence.
- Track deployment and recovery observations for subsequent condition assessment.
- Flag restrictions, quarantine or retirement when supported by applicable instructions and findings.
Hazards and failure modes required Filled
- Failure to deploy or inflate adequately can result in uncontrolled descent and fatal impact.
- Damaged fabric, lines or attachments can cause structural failure or loss of control.
- An incompatible load or operating environment can exceed the system's performance limits.
- Entanglement and unintended deployment can endanger the user, nearby people and vehicles.
Standards and interfaces required Filled
- Title 14 CFR Part 105, issued by the United States Federal Aviation Administration, regulates parachute operations within its scope.
- Technical Standard Order C23f, issued by the United States Federal Aviation Administration, specifies minimum performance standards for personnel parachute assemblies and components within its scope.
Context of use required Filled
- Parachutes are used to slow or stabilize people, cargo and vehicles moving through an atmosphere.
- They are encountered in recreational jumping, emergency escape systems, aerial delivery and spacecraft recovery.
- The intended load and deployment environment determine which parachute configuration is suitable.
Sources Filled
- Parachute - Working definition (drag and lift), historical origin of the term, personnel/cargo/spacecraft/vehicle uses, and the distinction of the drogue as a braking/stabilizing parachute.
- TS-136: Test Standards for Military Personnel Parachute Assemblies and Components - Industry classification of single-harness main-and-reserve, multi-harness, and single-harness emergency assemblies; definition of a drogue as a towed aerodynamic decelerator; assembly makeup (canopy, harness, deployment bag, pilot chute/static line).
- Parachute Rigger Handbook, Change 1 (Appendix A: TSO-C23, SAE AS8015, PIA TS-100/TS-135) - Civil certification path TSO-C23b/c/d/f against NAS-804 then SAE AS8015; PIA TS-100 as the official ram-air parts nomenclature; persistence of round emergency canopies alongside square gliding canopies; military drawing-system certification versus TSO.
- ATP 4-48 Aerial Delivery - In-service U.S. personnel types T-11, MC-6 and RA-1; cargo types G-12E/G-15 and G-11/G-16 with cluster loads; extraction and pilot parachutes; airdrop velocity classes; JPADS as a steerable ram-air cargo system.
- How To Select An Emergency Parachute - Emergency parachutes and skydiving reserves as FAA appliances under TSO-C23; Category A/B/C weight and airspeed limits; round canopy shape families (flat, conical, tri-conical) used in emergency systems.
- Handbook of Aviation and Space Medicine - Practitioner split of round, square, cruciform, pilot and drogue canopies; tabulated packed mass, forward speed, descent rate and opening altitudes for military static-line, military freefall, sport, tandem and whole-aircraft recovery systems.
- Wikidata item Q482816: parachute - identity and sense of the item
Open questions
- Does the registry intend parachute to include standalone braking and drogue parachutes, and where should an auxiliary deployment parachute become a separate related instance?
- Should the default instance boundary be the canopy and suspension assembly or the complete installed system, and how should interchangeable components retain their identities?
- Which authoritative sources establish inspection, packing, service-life and permitted-use requirements for each parachute role and jurisdiction?
- Which area, supported-mass and performance conventions allow meaningful comparison across different canopy families?
- What evidence is sufficient for an agent to record serviceability, and which determinations must remain with a manufacturer, qualified inspector or operating authority?
Machine files
Provenance
thing registry research (pass 2) · unreviewed
Built from: models/things/publications/thing-q482816/spec.json