RZ36 Sprung Fallschirm

[Willi Z.]

An earlier thread gave me the idea to post some pictures of an extremely rare RZ36 parachute. This chute was unique in that it used a delta shaped canopy, a new style of quick release harness and used a vented tail allowing for a slight forward drive.

There is still a myth regarding the use of Russian parachutes during von der Heydte's illfated Operation Stosser during the Ardennes Offensive. This has proven to be incorrect and it was the RZ36 that was used. Von der Heydte in an interview after the war stated that Russian chutes were not used. A fellow collector received a RZ36 canopy from a US veteran who found it buried in the Ardennes.....the harness was not to be found.

The Fallschirm Prüfschein attached to this RZ36 chute indicates that the chute was inspected on 11 March 1944 and reinspected on 16 Feb 1945. It also indicates the chute was to be used at the height of 100 meters and at 250 kph.

Willi

[Eric Queen]

Killer piece Willi !! , and it looks to be in mint condition. Any photos of it in wear that you can post? Any pics of the canapy design?

Awsome !!

Eric

[Ian Tannahill]

Giday Willi,

Thanks for sharing with us photos of your RZ36 parachute. Magnificent!

All the best,

Ian

[JamesM]

Willi,

Any chance you could point me in the direction of that von der Heydte interview? He is one of my favorite personalities from the era - I have always thought his quote about Dietrich (sp?) was classic.

Any info would be fantastic.

Thanks,

- James

[Willi Z.]

Thanks guys,

James, the interview is not in print. It was conducted by Klaus Peters and relayed to Guy Richards, the author of the Schiffer book on Axis Parachutes.

Here is a photo of deployed RZ36 canopy. The canopy was available in iether camo ro white. Mine is in camo. The credit for this photo goes to Guy Richards......from his book.

Willi

[Willi Z.]

Eric, I have not been able to find any wartime photos showing use of the RZ36.

Below is a U.S. Army Signal Corps photo taken on 12/17/44. The caption on tha back indicates that this is a JU52 shot down by US AA Batteries. It indicates that the photo is taken in Julich, Germany and shows the bodies of 15 Fallschirmjäger, 1 medic and the pilot. Not a very pretty photo, but you can see the FJ smocks, boots, helmets, etc. You can also see several parachute harnesses, but can't tell what kind of chute. I also have several more photos from this series.

Willi

[John Hodgin]

Great chute Willi! Ultra scarce