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The parachute was originally conceived as a life-saving device to safely and reliably lower personnel from balloons and aircraft to the ground in the event of an emergency, Because it was fabricated of textile materials, inflated and achieved its shape due to aerodynamic forces resulting from its velocity of movement through the air, it was lighter in weight, lower in cost and could be stowed in a smaller space than any other means of accomplishing the same end. The continued use of the parachute today and in the future is dependent upon these same factors of reliability, low weight, cost and volume. Other factors which are very important in most applications and mandatory in others are stability, low opening forces, good structural design, and durability to withstand repeated use under severe service conditions.