About Us
Hello, and welcome to our website. My name is Joshua DeJong, and I own and operate The Rigger Depot. We are a small shop dedicated to manufacturing the finest reproduction parachute and aviation equipment on the market. Here's how it all started...
September 17, 1944 - the jump into Holland
As a kid, I grew up listening to my grandfather’s riveting stories of life under Nazi occupation in Holland. I remember the awe in his voice as he recounted the day thousands of Allied paratroopers descended from the sky on a peaceful Sunday morning in 1944, and the emotions he felt in May 1945 when the dreadful war was finally over. My imagination was immediately sparked, and like any adventurous young boy, I created my own play parachute and leapt off the roof.
Ever since those days of youthful curiosity, I have passionately engaged in a lifelong endeavor to study the parachutes and equipment issued to our soldiers and airmen during WWII. This research quest eventually led to the compiling of many original parachutes, documents, and materials. In 2012 we began serving the wider community with the formation of The Rigger Depot. Since then, our products have been created for museums, collectors, reenactors, and film studios in over 29 countries and on every continent of the globe (except Antarctica).
Our Purpose
Bringing vintage flight gear back to life is a unique profession that is built on integrity, diligent work, and meticulous attention to detail. To create a comprehensive, authentic experience with each item produced, we design with the original specification patterns, construct with largely original materials, and employ period 1940’s machinery. Our goal is to share that experience and relive history with you by crafting the highest quality and most accurate replicas.
To bring you the highest quality product, we have completely redefined the meaning of historical accuracy. We realize each combat operation was different, and each wartime manufacture produced a slightly different parachute. When you buy from us, you are buying a handcrafted, personalized parachute built per the exact models that were used by your specific unit, at that specific time, for that specific operation. If the 3rd Battalion of the 505th PIR was primarily issued Reliance reserve parachutes made between July-September 1943, that it is how your parachute will be built.
We look forward to serving you in whatever way possible. Whether you are looking for a paratrooper T-5, an aircrew A-4, or an RAF Observer harness, rest assured that you are receiving nothing but the finest equipment. Contact Us today and let us know how we can serve you!
