The WWII U.S. Army Signal Corps M390-A Parachute from 1944 was a specialized parachute designed primarily for communication and equipment drops during World War II.
The M390-A was part of the Signal Corps' efforts to develop reliable and effective parachuting equipment to support airborne operations.
Key Features and Description:
·  Design and Construction:
The M390-A parachute was a round, static-line deployed parachute constructed from durable, lightweight silk fabric, typical of WWII era parachutes. It featured a hemispherical canopy with a series of reinforcing tapes and suspension lines that connected the canopy to the harness.
·  Color and Markings:
The canopy was usually yellow or orange silk color, often with stenciled markings or the Signal Corps insignia, indicating its purpose and military designation.
·  Deployment System:
It employed a static-line deployment system, which automatically deployed the parachute when the paratrooper exited the aircraft, facilitating rapid and reliable deployment during airborne operations.
·  Use and Application:
The M390-A was primarily used by Signal Corps personnel to deliver communication equipment, radios, and other vital gear behind enemy lines or into airborne units. Its design emphasized stability and reliability to ensure safe delivery of sensitive equipment.
·  Historical Context:
Introduced around 1944, during the height of WWII airborne operations, the M390-A was part of the broader effort to enhance the effectiveness of paratroopers and airborne units. It complemented other parachute models used by the Army, such as the T-5 and T-10 series, but was specialized for signal and equipment drops.
Overall Significance:
The M390-A parachute exemplifies wartime innovation in airborne logistics, ensuring that vital communication gear could be delivered reliably from aircraft to ground units, which was crucial for coordinated operations and battlefield success.
Note: Due to the specialized nature of WWII military equipment, surviving examples of the M390-A are relatively rare and are considered valuable collectibles for militaria enthusiasts and historians.