I want to depict a WW2 US pilot who has been rescued by a passing convoy. I haven't got the first clue about wingy things, can anyone advise on:

1. The colour of the parachutes used by US pilots in WW2?
2. A good manufacturer of 1/35 or 1/32 harnesses that can be depicted as 'used'?

The chutes were round and white, made out of silk. Below is a Navy photo, but ETO Army Air Corps were the same.


"Parachute school. Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. 18 March 1942."

Harnesses were canvas and khaki to OD.



Here are some that are available in 1/32.

US WWII Era Aircrew Pilot Parachute #1 (1/32 True Details 32508)


US WWII Era Aircrew Pilot Parachute #2 (1/32 True Details 32509)


US WWII Era Aircrew Pilot Parachute #3 (1/32 True Details 32510)


True Details also does Luftwaffe, RAF, and USN parachutes as well.

Brilliant info Gino, thanks.

Hi Ian

Radu Brinzan (RB Productions) makes very nice sets of seat harnesses with paper belts and etched fittings and I suspect that you could adapt those to parachute harnesses. I probably have some info on chutes that I can dig out - is your pilot USN or USAAF?

Grasshopper pilot, so I'm assuming air force. I'm thinking of making the parachute from tissue paper soaked in white glue and shaped.