WW2, 1944 Dated, Container Light Equipment Parachute. Sn - 22846:91 WW2, 1944 Dated, Container Light Equipment Parachute. Sn - 22846:91 Antique & Militaria

The CLE (container light equipment) was developed during the Second World War to carry additional supplies to be dropped with Paratroopers and for later resupply purposes. Initially named the CLE after the Central Landing Establishment, it could contain various weapons, ammunition, rations, medical equipment, radios and even the small Welbike motorcycle. Later it was officially named the Container Light Equipment. Initial variants were canvas bags with internal supports, but the chosen design consisted of a metal tube with large access doors. It was attached via a trestle to the aircraft, usually a Dakota. The CLE parachute was contained in a canvas bag atop the container and the parachutes themselves were colour coded, depending on contents and the operation, and could range from khaki through to blue, yellow, red and white. The collapsible crash pad dome at the base of the container was designed to take the impact of the landing. This is a cream coloured parachute for the container light equipment container that was attached to the top of the container. The parachute is stamped in red on the inside F.CO LOT NO FC-1 15 FEB 7 1944 (7 February 1944 date). The parachute measures approximately 88 inches diameter with a 6 inch spill hole in the top where the parachute straps cross and a spill slit on one side between the top to near the bottom of the parachute to allow air to escape and stabilise the parachute in a vertical descent. The free length of the 12 parachute cords is 44 inches. All of the seams, circumference and cord attachments have reinforced seams. The parachute is in good condition and the price includes U.K. delivery. Sn 22846:91