Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site brl-vgr.ARPA
Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!harpo!seismo!brl-vgr!ron
From: ron@brl-vgr.ARPA (Ron Natalie <ron>)
Newsgroups: net.rec.skydive
Subject: Three Ring Alert
Message-ID: <203@brl-vgr.ARPA>
Date: Fri, 13-Apr-84 12:42:27 EST
Article-I.D.: brl-vgr.203
Posted: Fri Apr 13 12:42:27 1984
Date-Received: Sun, 15-Apr-84 00:49:08 EST
Organization: Ballistics Research Lab
Lines: 25

I just got this through ARMY channels:

SAFETY ALERT:  PARACHUTE, THREE-RING RELEASE:  A Safety alert has been
issued on a three-ring release mechanism, manufactured by Three-Ring,
Inc., Deland Fla., and used on sport-type parachutes:  as a result of
experimental tests of commercial sport type parachutes which incorporate
the three-ring release mechanism, a potential defect has been uncovered.
Recent jumps have resulted in permanent deformation of the main harness
ring which may prevent jettisoning of the main canopy in an emergency
situation.

At present the total extent of this problem is unknown.  All parachutes
which employ this release should be considered as a potential safety
hazard and if unused, have the strength of the release rings verified
before use, or if used, inspected 100 percent to determine if any permanent
deformation has occurred.  If deformation has occurred, the harness should
not be used.

All parachute systems employing hte three-ring releases using forged rings
with markings RW-1-82 or RW-1-83 are grounded.  Await disposition instructions
from the parachute manufacturer and Three-Ring, Inc.

--------

-Ron