T-HANDLE-A handle in the shape of the letter T.

TAB, ANCHOR-A cloth loop attached to a metal plate and used on some MBEU parachute assemblies. It is placed over a locking cone and is used to secure the withdrawal line slide disconnect pin in position prior to operation.

TAB, END-An oval metal fitting secured to each flap of seat-type, Martin-Baker and chest-type parachute containers. The end tabs fit over the cones and secure the end flaps in a closed position until the locking pins are pulled.

TACK (HAND TACK)-To attach temporarily prior to final sewing and to tie temporarily as an aid in positioning. Also, to permanently secure portions of a parachute together; for example, the attachment of a seat cushion to a parachute container assembly.

TACK, BUTTERFLY-The type of tacking used in securing the riser assembly to the NC-3 container. See also TACK.

TAPE-A narrow woven ribbon of cotton, linen, nylon, or other material.

TAPE, FILAMENT-An adhesive tape with fiber cords in the backing. The cords are usually fiber glass, nylon, linen, or other high-strength material. This tape has high tensile strength along the lengthwise direction.

TAPE, HOOK-Strip of nylon tape with

small nylon hooks on one side. Hook tape is used with pile tape as a fastener.

TAPE, PILE-A strip of nylon tape with small nylon loops on one side. Pile tape is used with hook tape as a fastener.

TAPE, SURGICAL-A white linen or cotton tape with adhesive on one side. Commonly called adhesive tape.

TEAR STRENGTH-The average force, expressed pounds, required to continue a tear either across the filling or warp of cloth.

TEMPLATE-A pattern or gauge commonly in the form of a thin plate of cardboard, wood, or metal. It is used as a guide in the layout or cutting of flat work.

TENSILE STRENGTH-The greatest stress cloth can withstand along its length without rupturing, expressed as a number of pounds per square inch (of cross section).

TERMINAL END FITTING-The end of the automatic parachute ripcord release arming cable that connects to the ejection seat, lap belt, or other designated point. See also CABLE, ARMING, and AUTOMATIC PARACHUTE RIPCORD RELEASE.

THIN SPOT (Suspension Line)-A condition whereby the diameter of the suspension line as seen visually is less than other portions of the suspension line. This condition is normally caused by broken inner cord yarn(s) or an improper overlap.

THREAD, SEPARATION-A bunching of threads in cloth, leaving a hole or separation in the cloth. A thread separation can run either with the warp or filling of a cloth.

TIE, RIPCORD PIN RETAINING-A lowstrength thread or cord used specifically to prevent ripcord pins from creeping and possibly causing inadvertent opening.

TIGHT STITCHES-Thread under excess tension, causing one sewing thread to lie on the surface of the cloth or causing puckering of the cloth .

TOOL, PACK CLOSING-An aid to closing the LW-3B parachute assembly container. It is used to align the grommets over locking cones.

TORSO HARNESS SUIT-A combination of webbing and a torso suit that includes the parachute harness, lap belt, shoulder belt, and life vest attachment fittings. See also HARNESS.

TORQUE-A force or combination of forces that tend to produce a rotating or twisting motion. Torque is often expressed in inch-pounds or foot-pounds. A torque wrench is used to apply a measured torque.

TOTAL LIFE-Total life is the period of time commencing with the date of manufacture that an item may be retained in a packaged, out-ofservice condition and remain acceptable for service.

TUBE, GUIDE-A narrow tube used to guide the vane-type pilot parachute grommet over its locking cone.

TWIST-Rotation of the suspension line casing induced generally during final assembly of the canopy, suspension lines and connector links.

TWIST OF THREAD OR CORD-The direction (right or left) in which the strands of thread or cord are wound around one another. If the thread unwinds when turning it to the left, it is right twist; if it tightens, it is left twist. Right twist is also known as Z-twist. Left twist is also known as S-twist.

TYP-Abbreviation for typical.

UNDERFOLD-Insufficient cloth folded inside a seam. The raw edges of cloth will show when underfold is excessive.

UNEVEN STITCHING-Stitching wavy, or number or stitches varying.

UNTACK-To remove a tacking. See also TACKING.

V-RING-A metal fitting shaped in the form of a closed letter V. For example, V-rings, used with quick-ejector snap fittings, secure a harness assembly on a wearer.

V-TAB-Webbing reinforcement at the point where the suspension line enters the canopy.

VENT-The circular opening at the peak or top of the canopy. As the parachute opens and descends, some of the air in the canopy escapes through this vent, thus reducing the strain on the canopy and steadying descent. It is about 18 inches in diameter for personnel parachutes.

WARNING-Indicates danger to personnel. The warning precedes the step or item to which it refers.

WARNING FLAG-A tag attached to an assembly, indicating that the assembly is not operational. Often the flag is attached to safety-pins on pyrotechnic devices to indicate necessity of removal before operation. Also, it is used to flag defective or incomplete equipment to preclude use.

WARP-The threads that run parallel to the selvage edge of cloth; those that are crossed by the filling threads.

WEAVE-To manufacture a web or cloth on a loom by interlacing the warp and filling yams. Also the particular pattern employed in weaving cloth. The cloth for parachute use is one up and one down (plain weave), two up and one down (twill weave) or ripcord.

WEAVE SEPARATION-Looseness of weave caused by strain or poor weaving.

WEB (WEBBING)-A strong, narrow, closely-woven tape of synthetic, cotton, or linen fiber designed for bearing weight. For example, it is used in the manufacture of the parachute harness.

WEBBING, ELASTIC-A webbing having elastic threads to give it greater elasticity than regular webbing. It is used in the fabrication or elastic ripcord pockets.

WEBBING, REINFORCEMENT-Short lengths of webbing sewn to the skirt hem at the junction points of the suspension lines and the canopy.

WEBBING, TUBULAR-Strong synthetic or natural fiber webbing woven in the form of a tube.

WET LOCKER-A tower or compartment maintained for hanging parachutes that are damp or have been immersed in water.

WHIPSTITCH-A stitch used to join two piece of webbing and to reinforce weak seams.

WHISKER-A thread filament protruding from cloth.

YOKE AND PLATE ASSEMBLY-The removable end of connector link.