A highly detailed reproduction of the WWII USAAF AN-6510 Seat Parachute Assembly, the distinctive seat-type emergency parachute associated particularly with American fighter pilots during the Second World War.
With this type of parachute system, the parachute pack formed part of the pilot's seating arrangement while inside the aircraft. This clearly distinguished the AN-6510 from the chest- and back-type parachutes commonly used by other members of aircrews.
This reproduction features the characteristic off-white cotton harness webbing, metal buckles and attachment hardware, Olive Drab / Air Corps Drab canvas components, back pad, seat cushion, ripcord components and the distinctive parachute pack assembly.
Considerable attention has also been given to the smaller details, including the dark stitching running through the white harness webbing, period-style attachment points, snap fasteners, metal hardware and reproduced WWII-style markings.
The result is an excellent addition to a WWII USAAF fighter pilot display, mannequin, museum presentation, historical collection, living-history impression or re-enactment display.
Please note: this is a historical reproduction intended for collecting, display and re-enactment purposes only. It is not certified or suitable for actual parachuting or use as life-saving equipment.
Historical Context
The AN-6510 was one of the seat-type emergency parachute systems used by American military aircrew during the Second World War. Its configuration allowed the pilot to sit on the packed parachute while flying the aircraft.
For this reason, the AN-6510 became particularly associated with fighter pilots and pilots of smaller military aircraft. Seat parachutes were less practical for bomber crews who needed to move around inside their aircraft, where chest- and back-type parachutes were generally more suitable.
During WWII, AN-6510 parachutes were produced by a number of American manufacturers, with surviving original examples known from companies including Reliance Manufacturing Co., Switlik, Victory Parachutes, Standard Parachute Corporation and American Lady Corset Co.
The AN-6510 should not be confused with the famous T-5 troop parachute used by U.S. Army Airborne paratroopers. The T-5 was a static-line troop parachute, whereas the AN-6510 was an emergency parachute system intended for military aircrew.
For an accurate WWII USAAF fighter pilot impression, the AN-6510 therefore forms one of the most distinctive pieces of personal flight equipment.
Specifications
- Model: AN-6510
- Type: Seat Parachute Assembly
- Country: United States
- Service: U.S. Army Air Forces / USAAF
- Period: Second World War / WWII
- Purpose: emergency parachute for military aircrew
- Associated with: USAAF fighter pilots and other military pilots
- Construction: historical reproduction
- Harness: off-white / natural cotton webbing
- Stitching: contrasting dark stitching in period style
- Canvas components: Olive Drab / Air Corps Drab
- Hardware: metal buckles, hooks and attachment fittings
- Components: harness, parachute pack assembly, back pad, seat cushion and associated visible attachment and ripcord components
- Use: collecting, mannequin display, museum display, living history and re-enactment
- Safety status: reproduction/display item only, not suitable for actual parachuting
- Material: cotton canvas, cotton webbing and metal hardware
Supplied exclusively for Delware Trading
This AN-6510 Seat Parachute Assembly is supplied to Delware Trading by a specialized manufacturer. It is a meticulously handcrafted reproduction of the complete historical AN-6510 seat parachute system.
The AN-6510 is supplied exclusively as a complete assembly. The harness and back pad are not sold separately from the set.
This item is not kept in stock at Delware Trading as standard. Availability is checked with the manufacturer upon ordering. Delivery times may vary depending on available complete sets and production schedules.
For urgent orders, please contact us in advance for the current delivery time.
