Extending the

life of your
canopy

A little care makes a big difference

Performance Textiles, Inc.

New product
developments
and advances
in production efficiency
sets new standards for
the parachute industry
Performance Textiles, Inc. leads the industry in fabric
testing. In the toughest tests of porosity, weight, permanence of finish, tear resistance and resistance to
heat and light (UV), Soar-Coaf and Exacta-Chutew
clearly surpass all other standard fabrics. As sport
parachuting continues to grow, the future and demand for our fabrics looks brighter than ever before.
Find out how much brighter your future in this sport
can be. Call your manufacturer to make sure your
canopy has been made with Soar-Coaf or ExactaChute. These are the parachute fabrics of the future
available now. Why would you want anything less?

What are Soar-Coa(B)

and Exacta-Chute?
Soar-Coaf and Exacta-Chutew are the trade names
Performance Textiles, Inc. uses for our zero porosity
and 0-3 cfm parachute fabric.
Soar-Coaf was developed in the very early 90's to
provide an extended service life with consiste~t/
predictable porosity over the life of the canopy. While
different manufacturers call the product Zero P or
ZP3 or other internal names, Soar-Coaf is the only
zero porosity product made in the USA. The material
starts life the same as Exacta-Chutae, which is the
best 0-3 cfm product in parachutes today. After dyeing and hot calendaring, some fabric is rou~ed to
coating to become Soar-Coaf. Soar-Coaf IS the
strongest
and the most durable zero porosity
parachute fabric manufactured in the world today. It
provides a smooth, fast ride for the experienced
jumper as well as providing compact and excellent
pack volume.
Exacta-Chutew is made from a Type 6,6 DuPont
Bright Nylon, High tenacity, with heat and light
inhibitors. It is promoted under the DuPont trade
name "SOLAR MAX"TMfor its superior heat and light

resistance. This fabric meets and exceed all the requirements of the military ram-air canopy high performance specifications Mil C 44378 Type 1. We start
with a 30 denier continuous filament yarn. This means
9000 meters of one thread weigh 30 grams. Each
thread is made up of 10 filaments - finer than human
hair. There are 132 threads per inch in the lengthwise
direction, the warp. We have over 132 threads per
inch in the crosswise direction, the fill. These are
inserted one at a time, at over 500 per minute, 24
hours a day, seven days a week. At this rate, we
weave around 1200 yards per week, per loom. At 65
inches wide, the fabric has over 8400 lengthwise
threads across the width and over 4700 threads
across the fabric in one yard. If one yard of fabric
was totally unraveled, and all the yarns laid end to
end, they would measure 9.7 miles.
After we weave the fabric, it is dyed with the best
available dyes, then given other special properties.
The fabric is "calendared," between heated rollers at
very high pressure. This makes the fabric thinner
(lower pack volume) and reduces the porosity to the
usual 1 to 2 cfm. Fabric testing is extensive, in controlled laboratory conditions, to insure the ExactaChutew products meet our published standards.
While most fabric manufacturers
consider their

specifications secret, we have distributed over 1000

copies of Exacta-Chutew and Soar-Coaf specifications (see the following pages). We want people to
know what they are getting, and what should be expected of ALL fabric manufacturers. Our standards
are a starting point - we have been evolving our
products for a more competitive world market since
our first order. Improvements never end (nor does
the demand on our fabrics in today's high performance canopies). This is another good reason for
continuing to upgrade your skydiving equipment.

In the late 1980's, the "0-3 cfm" fabric trade name

F-111 by the George Harris Co. was mostly 2.5 to
3.4 cfm. Skydivers were getting 300 to 450 jumps
from a canopy. A canopy is considered unsuitable
for jumping by most manufacturers when the porosity
exceeds 12 to 13 cfm. Improvements in processing
and designs have been made and Exacta-Chute'"
now averages 1.5 cfm initially. We don't want zero
cfm in this fabric, but old habits and names (0-3) die
slowly. Would you believe Harris Co. who devised
the F-111 tradename that has been out of business
7 years? Exacta-Chutew has been the only low porosity fabric made for skydiving in the U.S. for several
years. Other fabrics are made in England (Blue TM) or
South Africa.

Soar-Coaf is dyed, hot calendared and prepared

for coating. It has a solvent based silicone rubber
applied. The equipment to process solvent based
coatings today starts at a million dollars. The system
captures the solvents driven off in the ovens during
the cure cycle, incinerates them at extremely high
temperatures, and the heat is recycled for efficiency
and for maximum environmental protection. We do
have some processing secrets we protect, but we
have said for many years the aqueous based coatings of the past (and present) have not met the
demands of our testing - or your skydiving! Again,
the fabric goes through extensive, extended, rigorous
testing before shipment to the best canopy manufacturers in the world.
The choice of colors available today were started by
a skydiver working for a parachute company in
Florida. "Neons" were new in 1989. Margie called
one day to ask if we could make a neon lime green
fabric. All we needed was a starting place, so she
supplied a sample of Neon lime green - a men's
Speedo swimming suit. We matched it and panels
were included in parachutes. At a Riggers Convention in Muskogee, Oklahoma over the 4th of July, the
new canopies were introduced - an exciting relief
from the old basic colors ... including the "earth tones"
of the 70s. As they say "the rest is history," and we

now produce 32 regular, jewel tone, and high intensity

colors for both Exacta-Chutes and Soar-Coaf.

Spot Cleaning of Nylon

Parachute Fabric

Our philosophy at Performance Textiles, Inc. has

always been to produce the best parachute fabrics
in the world. We are deeply involved at every step
and process from the raw materials to the finished
product. The effort is a commitment we make to you,
our many end customers. We want to see parachutes
replaced because of better design and technology
and higher performance, not because the fabric is
worn out. We have never seen a use so demanding
for textile products. As a result of our continuing
efforts, our fabric and technology has become part
of the NASA space shuttle rescue system, future
private booster rocket recovery systems, the best hot
air balloon systems in the world - manufactured by
Aerostar International Inc., para-sails, powered
parachutes ... and who knows about tomorrow. One
thing is sure - the demands will be greater, our efforts
will match them - and Performance Textiles, Inc. will
be there.

Be there with US!!

CONTACT THE ORIGINAL PARACHUTE MANUFACTURER

FOR ANY PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PARACHUTE.

SPOT CLEANING OF NYLbN PARACHUTE FABRIC

I

Most stains can be avoided by immediately Willing the stained area with an absorbent cloth or paper
towel. Always handle the fabric carefully and treat the srj allest area possible. The following cleaning procedures
have been used successfully to remove stains from cos ted and non-coated parachute fabrics:

,
,

STAIN TYPE

PROCEDURE

Food, soda, catsup,

mud, dirt, sweat

Use clean water and a sponge gently. Rinse area thoroughly with clean
water. Never use full strength detergent.

Mustard, red clay, blood

Use a mild deterqent, Let it sit on the stain 3-5 minutes then sponge gently
and then firmer if n~eded. DON'T use bleach as it can affect the fabric
strength, finish and'color.

Motor oil, hydraulic fluid,

grease, exhaust and demo
smoke

Allow to siton stained area for 1 minute and work into stain with a sponge.
Then gently and carefully clean and rinse as above. Be aware that staining
chemicals and cleaning agents can affect fabric strength, finish, and color.
I

Do not use flammable solvents such as gasoline, acetone, 'mineral spirits, paint thinner, etc., as they may damage the
fabric or fabric coating and other components.
IF FABRIC SHOWS ANY SIGN OF WEAR, FRAYING, OR A Cl;JT, SCRATCH, OR TEAR, DO NOT USE THE PARACHUTE!
NEVER USE BLEACH OR PRODUCTS CONTAINING BLEACH.
CONTACT THE ORIGINAL PARACHUTE MANUFACTURER
FOR ANY PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PARACHUTE.
CLEANING MA Y BE MORE HARMFUL THAN THE SPOT.

jl
This information is intended as helpful suggestions.
Performance Textiles makes no guarantees of results
and assumes no obligation or liability whatsoever in
connection with this information.

Care of your Canopy

1. Do not pack your canopy when it is wet or damp.
Exacta-Chutew & Soar-Coaf do not support mildew but dust and grass stains can cause mildew
to grow.
2. Do not expose your canopy to excessive heat and
light unnecessarily.
3. If your canopy is excessively faded, have the
strength tested.
4. If you are experiencing slow openings and fast
(hard) landings, have the manufacturer test the
canopy fabric porosity. If it exceeds 13 cfm it is
unsafe.
5. Soar-Coaf takes practice packing the first 5-15

times if it is new. It becomes easier to pack with

each use.
6. Follow cleaning procedures carefully as outlined
in the previous pages.

..
7. Never dry clean canopies or containers. The solvents can damage the coatings and remove the
finishes applied to the fabric.
8. Avoid packing your parachute with loose sand,
gravel or grit. Repacking on a smooth surface or
soft grass can help extend the life of your canopy.
9. Always inspect your canopy and its components
when you repack to look for abrasion, snags or
tears. If the fabric is chafed or torn, have your
rigger, loft, dealer or manufacturer make repairs
immediately.
10. Never clean your canopy with any amount of
abrasive or bleach. Do not use stiff brushes that
could abrade the yarn, increase the porosity or
damage coatings.

Storage
1. Thoroughly air and dry all gear before storing.
Inspect for wear and damage BEFORE putting
your gear away.
2. Keep away from lightlUV. Storage should be in a
cool dry place - like a closet or other inside location without sunlight through a window.
3. Avoid places where vermin or insects could gnaw
or contaminate your gear.
Remember - treat your parachute equipment with
special care. Your enjoyment and safety depend on it.

Solar Max ' brand nylon was introduced in 1996

to promote superior ultraviolet resistance and
appearance benefits of a family of nylon yarns for
use in outdoor fabric applications.
DuPont nylon yarns have enjoyed excellent performance for many years in applications such as hotair balloons, military parachutes and sports
parachutes. Inherent strength and built-in ultraviolet resistance, using a base Type 6,6 nylon. This
results in superior performance over Type 6 nylons
and polyesters of similar fabric constructions.

"WE PROVIDE CERTIFIED

TEST REPORTS WITH
EVERY YARD OF FABRIC
WE SELL"

Still setting the standards with

Soar-Coa~ and Exacta-Chute@
Without fail, we show up and keep
the others hopping while we're up
flying. We're as selective and partic-

For bright color or sparkling luster applications, the

use of the bright and high-tenacity yarns makes
attractive fabrics, while maintaining an even dye
appearance.

ular with our customers as you are

with your canopy We supply first
quality fabric and only first
quality fabric to the best
parachute manufacturers
in the world.

(D

SolarMax'"
Only by DuPont

Ask your canopy manufacturer for details

concerning our fabric. Call or email us at:
PERFTEXGSO@AOL.COM.

~jl

SPECIFICATIONS

soer-coet
TEST NAME
MATERIAL
TWIST

TEST METHODS
COMMERCtAL

30 Denier, High Tenacity. Bright Nylon,

Heat and Light Inhibitors
Producers Warp and Fill
469'F + or - 10'F
RipStop 7.5 Minimum Repeats Per Inch
1.350SY
.0030 Inches
47x47Pounds

MTCC

FEOERALSTANDARO
Method 1530

20

ASTM-D-1423
MTCC-20

MElTING POINT
WEAVE PATIERN
WEIGHT (max.)
THICKNESS (max.)
STRENGTH (min.)
l"slrip
ELONGATON (min.)
TEAR STRENGTH (min.)
AIR PERMEABILITY (max.)
after 20 laundenngs
CONSTRUCTION (min.)
pH
COLOR FASTNESS

WIDTH (min.)
HEAT/LIGHT RESISTANCE

64 Inches
Max. 25% Change

MTCC-61
MTCC-61
MTCC-l07
MTCC-16 A
MTCC-B
ASTM-D-3774
N/A

BIAS/BOW (max.)

2Vz Inches on 64"

ASTM-D-3662

191

Method 4050
Method 1534

Visual
(Visual)
ASTM-2376 Opt. C Method 5041
ASTM-D-1777
Method 5030
ASTM-D-50351R
Method 5104

25%
15x15Pounds
0 CFM
CFM

ASTM-O-50351R
ASTM
ASTM-0737

Method 5104
Melhod 0 2261 or 2262 (1963)
Method 5450

130x 130
5.5-9.0
Good (Regular colors)

ASTM-O-3775

Method 5050
Method 2611
Method 5614 -Laundering
Method 5630 - Cold Water
Method 5660 -light (20 hrs.)
Method 5651 - Crocking (3.4 or better)
Method 5020
MIL C 44376
Para. 4.5.3.1 light
Para. 4.5.3.2. Heat
Method 5060

SPECIFICATIONS

Exacta-Chute
TEST NAME
MATERIAL
TWIST
MELTING POINT
WEAVE PATIERN
WEIGHT (max.)
THICKNESS (max.)
STRENGTH (min.)
l"slrip
ELONGATON (min.)

TEST METHODS

COMMERCIAL
30 Denier, High Tenacity, Bright Nylon,
Heat and light Inhibitors
Producers Warp and Fill

MTCC

1.170SY
.0030 Inches
47x47 Pounds

469'F + or - 10'F
Rip Stop 7.5 Minimum Repeats Per Inch

ASTM-D-1423
MTCC-20
Visual
ASTM-2376 Opt. C
ASTM-O-1777
ASTM-O-50351 R

25%

ASTM-D-50351

TEAR STRENGTH (min.)

AIR PERMEABILITY
CONSTRUCTION (min.)
pH
COLOR FASTNESS

WIDTH (min.)
HEAT/LIGHT RESISTANCE

46 tnches or 64 tnches
Max. 25% Change

ASTM-D-3774
N/A

BIAS/BOW (max.)

21nches on 48~:21h Inches on 64"

ASTM-O-3662

5x5Pounds
.5-3.5
CFM
130x t32
5.5-9.0
Good (Regutarcotors)

FEDERAL STANDARD 191

Method 1530

20

ASTM
ASTM-D737
ASTM-D-3775
MTCC-61
MTCC-61
MTCC-l07
MTCC-16 A
MTCC-6

Method
Method
(Visual)
Method
Method
Method

4050
1534
5041
5030
5104

Method
Method
Method
Method
Method
Method
Method
Method
Method

5104
0 2261 or 2262 (1963)
5450
5050
26t t
5614 -Laundering
5630 - Cold Water
5660-light
(20hrs.)
5651 - Crocking (3.4 or better)

Method 5020
MIL C 44376
Para. 4.5.3.1 light
Para. 4.5.3.2. Heat
Method 5060 .

I r!1
I

4!\\

"

Performance Textiles, Inc.

Greensboro, NC
Copyright

1998

Visit our Web Site: www.perftex.com