The Evolution of Parachutes: From Ancient Attempts to Modern Safety Systems
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The History of Parachutes
Early Attempts
The first known attempt at parachuting occurred in Cordova, Spain, in 852. Abbás Ibn Firnás jumped from a tower with a large cloak, but suffered injuries upon landing. Leonardo da Vinci also proposed the use of parachutes in the 15th century.
The First Practical Parachute
The first practical parachute was invented in 1783 by Louis-Sébastien Lenormand. In 1785, Jean Pierre Blanchard successfully used a parachute to save a dog from a fall. In 1793, he became the first person to successfully use a parachute for a human descent.
Parachutes in Aviation
Parachutes became a standard part of hot air balloon equipment in the 19th century. After World War I, they were adopted as safety systems for pilots and passengers... Continue reading "The Evolution of Parachutes: From Ancient Attempts to Modern Safety Systems" »