{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-1941-usaaf-pilot-type-b-8-parachute-by-pioneer-parachute-company","title":"Original U.S. WWII 1941 USAAF Pilot Type B-8 Parachute by Pioneer Parachute Company","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. The B-8 back type parachute answered the problem of the awkward B-7. Originally designed by the Pioneer Parachute Company as their Model P3-B, the USAAF’s copy (B-8) was standardized on October 1942. The new pack contained special bow stiffeners which increased flexibility and molded around the wearer’s back. The B-8 saw operational use in the ETO around late 1943, replacing the rigid B-7 and serving well into the postwar era. It was the standard rig for bomber pilots as well as operational fighter pilots of the P-38 and P-51.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough popular belief holds that the seat pack was standard for fighter pilots, records show that from April 1943 to September 1944, back type parachutes accounted for 98% of parachutes used by fighter pilots of the P-38’s \u0026amp; P-51’s and 20% of the P-47 pilots.  See also the AAF Bailout Stats page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is dated \u003cstrong\u003eMarch 20, 1941\u003c\/strong\u003e and was manufactured by the \u003cstrong\u003ePioneer\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eParachute Company\u003c\/strong\u003e as the\u003cstrong\u003e Model P3-B-24\u003c\/strong\u003e Parachute. It is offered in good condition with Harness, Pack and Canopy. All elastic bands are worn and\/or broken. Harness is in very good condition, snaps stiff, condition of canopy unknown as it doesn't appear to have been unpacked since the war. Measures approximately 24\" x 16\" x 8\".\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40568375410757,"sku":"ONSV23DCW4","price":1895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV23DCW4__07.jpg?v=1682711321","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-1941-usaaf-pilot-type-b-8-parachute-by-pioneer-parachute-company","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}