Ripcord (skydiving)

{{Short description|Parachute release mechanism}}

{{other uses|Ripcord (disambiguation)}}

A ripcord is a part of a skydiving harness-container system; a handle attached to a steel cable ending in a closing pin. The pin keeps the container closed and keeps the spring-loaded pilot chute inside. When the ripcord is pulled, the container is opened and the pilot chute is released, opening the parachute. On tandem systems the ripcord releases the 3-ring release system anchoring the bridle to the harness-container, allowing the parachute to open.

The ripcord was invented in 1914 by Tiny Broadwick.{{Cite news|url=https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/georgia-%E2%80%9Ctiny%E2%80%9D-broadwick%E2%80%99s-parachute|title=Georgia "Tiny" Broadwick's Parachute|date=2015-03-12|work=National Air and Space Museum|access-date=2017-06-21|language=en}}