The Rigger Depot
​
  • AAF
    • AN-6513 Harness >
      • AN6513-1 Pack
      • AN6513-1A Pack
    • A-3 Harness >
      • A-3 Chest Pack
    • Observer Harness
    • A-4 Harness >
      • A-4 Chest Pack
    • B-7 Back Type
    • B-8 Back Type
    • Seat Packs
  • British
    • Observer Harness
    • Observer Pack
    • RAF Seat Harness
    • RAF First Aid Packet
    • Dinghy/Raft Cases
    • Type X Mk1
    • Type X Mk2
    • Type-X Camouflage
    • SOE Type X
    • Jedburgh Type X
  • Troop Chutes
    • T-4 Assembly
    • Troop Reserves >
      • 41K Reserve (training)
      • 43H Reserve (Normandy)
      • 44J Reserve (Varsity)
      • Economy Reserve
    • T-5 Training
    • T-5 Normandy
    • T-5 Market Garden
    • T-5 Varsity
    • X-5 Modification Kit
    • T-7 Assemblies
    • T-5 FSSF
  • Airborne
    • Parachute First Aid
    • Escape & Evasion Kit
    • Airborne Kit Bag
    • BC-611 Harness
    • 5-hole Chinstrap
    • G-1 Cargo Pack
    • Griswold Bag
    • 517th Chincup
  • Navy
    • Navy Seat Harness
    • Navy QAS Harness
    • QAS Pack Tray
    • AN-6513 Harness
    • Navy Chest Pack
    • Paramarine Chutes
  • Flight Gear
    • Flak Vest
    • Aviator Kit Bag
    • Escape & Evasion Kit
    • E&E Contents
    • First Aid Packet (Zippered)
    • Parachute First Aid Packet (2nd Version)
    • RAF First Aid Packet
    • A-3 Gunners Strap
    • Headset Ear Cushions
  • Parts
    • Bungees
    • Canopies & Fillers
    • Back pads/Cushions
    • Log Records
    • T-5/7 Pullout Panel
    • Harness Tacking Kit
    • T-5 Pack Lacing
    • Repair/Repack
    • Other
  • Reference
    • "What They Wore"
    • QAC Color Coding
    • Why So Many Seat Parachutes?
    • Bailout Stats
    • Static Line Hooks
    • Quick Release T-5
    • T-7 & T-10 Transition
    • Pack Bungees
    • Camo Parachutes
  • Info
    • Ordering
    • Contact
    • Repair/Repack
    • Aging Services
    • About
    • Identifying Marks
  • Film
Picture

B-8 Assembly


The B-8 back type parachute answered the problem of the awkward B-7. Originally designed by the Pioneer Parachute Company as their Model P3-B, the USAAF’s copy (B-8) was standardized on October 1942. The new pack contained special bow stiffeners which increased flexibility and molded around the wearer’s back. The B-8 saw operational use in the ETO around late 1943, replacing the rigid B-7 and serving well into the postwar era. It was the standard rig for bomber pilots as well as operational fighter pilots of the P-38 and P-51. 
Although popular belief holds that the seat pack was standard for fighter pilots, records show that from April 1943 to September 1944, back type parachutes accounted for 98% of parachutes used by fighter pilots of the P-38’s & P-51’s and 20% of the P-47 pilots.  See also the AAF Bailout Stats page. 


This reproduction is built exactly like the originals. The pack is built with the characteristic WWII style narrow bow stiffeners and the canvas side wings. It is complete with all the typical stamps, data panel, and patent numbers. The harness features our custom woven harness webbing and 7-class stitching.  It is complete with the trapezoidal 4-pin ripcord and ripcord housing on the wearer's left side, and characteristic cushion tacked under the chest strap.  The harness can also be special ordered with  life raft fittings. 
New 2022 Harnesses are upgraded with Red Ripcords!

Want to add a parachute canopy or foam filler?  See the Canopies & Fillers  page!
​​

Standard Price: $795 (Email us  to order  - generally ships in 3-5 days)
(Payment plans available - If you're interested, just shoot us a message!)


All parachute systems and related components manufactured by The Rigger Depot are strictly for display. The manufacturer does not accept any liability in any way, shape, or form. All text & images Copyright 2021