USAAF type A-5 Chest Parachute

A very clean example of the quick attachable chest parachute of the Group 2 Yellow category. The A-5 was standardised on January 5th 1945 and consisted of a Type A-3 24 ft canopy to be used in conjunction with an improved harness that included a Quick Release Box. This example is lacking the canopy but is otherwise complete with metal clips fitted to the reverse, bungees and 'D' ring and release cables all hidden beneath 'lift the dot' fastenings. It is crisply stamped up and was manufacturer by the Eagle Parachute Corp of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as well as Government no 45-266573. The opposite side is stamped 43J26406 24 Ft Dia and below is dated May 1945. The pack, which is stuffed for display purposes, also carries a parachute packing log record book stamped with Serial no.44-158812. Inside the part number is shown as 43J26406 but as this however appears to relate to an A4 pack so is probably not original to the pack but still a desirable additional detail. The olive drab canvas and three loop carry handles are all in excellent condition. Measures 17" x 10" x 6" (excluding grab handles) or 43 cm x 25 cm x 15 cm.