MIL-DTL-9401C
3.3.15 Finish.
3.3.15.1 Ends. The ends of all materials which, in the final assembly, are not covered by other
cloth, tapes, webbings, or ribbons shall be treated to prevent fraying. The exposed ends of nylon
cords, webbings, tapes, and ribbons shall be cut and seared smoothly and evenly or dipped in a
melted mixture of 50 percent beeswax and 50 percent paraffin at a temperature of 180° ± 20° F.
The ends of the suspension lines shall be neatly trimmed back to the stitching, leaving an end
which is not longer than ¼ inch.
3.3.15.2 Searing. Searing shall not be permitted after stitching. Any searing permitted shall not
leave sharp edges or points that may cause snagging of the canopy cloth. In general, searing
shall not be used where the end of the material is sandwiched between two other pieces of
material or where the stitching runs continuously over the exposed ends. All finishing shall be
done neatly and shall not have any sharp edges or excess melted materials which could cause
localized stresses. Whenever searing is used, the finished canopy shall be carefully examined for
holes and snags caused by poorly seared materials. One broken warp thread will be allowed in a
tape or webbing, provided that the strength of the material is not below specification strength.
3.4 Air permeability. When tested in accordance with 4.5, complete canopies shall have an
average permeability of not more than 10 percent over the top limit or 10 percent below the
lower limit of the fabric specification. The average air permeability reading for any one gore
shall not exceed the upper limit, nor be less than the lower limit of the fabric specification by
over 20 percent.
3.5 Identificatio n of product.
3.5.1 Marking. The ink used to mark the canopy shall conform to A-A-59291. Unless
otherwise specified in the detail specification, contrasting colors shall be used for ease in
identification.
3.5.2 Gore numbers. Each gore shall be numb ered by stamping or stenciling the number of the
gore in the right-hand corner of the outside of the lower sections on or adjacent to the skirt. The
numbering sequence shall be clockwise when viewing the canopy from the top. The height of
the numbers sha ll be a minimum of ½ inch.
3.5.3 Additional marking. Each parachute canopy designated for aircraft deceleration shall have
the words THIS SIDE OUT stamped or stenciled near the skirt on the outside of the skirt section
of each gore. Each extraction parachute canopy procured for Army use shall be stamped or
stenciled THIS SIDE OUT on the top and bottom gores only near the skirt, on the outside of the
skirt sections. The size of the characters shall be a minimum of 1 inch high.
3.6 Workmanship. The canopy, including all materials and accessories, shall be fabricated and
finished in a workmanlike manner. Particular attention shall be given to freedom from blemishes
and defects, accuracy of dimensions and markings, neatness and thoroughness of stitching, and
proper assembly of component parts.
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