The transformation
involved upgrade training for jet aircraft air and ground crews, line and
support shops technicians were in practically OJT (on the job training),
revamping test and maintenance facilities, acquiring and shipping
maintenance new tools and equipment, skills, procedures, tech data, etc.
Among these drastic and far-reaching changes, parachute compatibility
with aircraft was one among thousands.
The F-86 jet had entered service in 1949, about one year before the start
of the Korean War. Hundreds of F-86s and other aircraft, as well as
aircraft support and personal equipment were provided to allied nations
under the Mutual Defense Assistance Program (MDAP).
The total additional quantity required for USAF's immediate needs in
Korea and for other developing or programmed USAF operations
worldwide was 50,000 parachutes and maintenance spares. The U S was
well along in its conversion and retooling to a civilian economy that
would concentrate on meeting the pent up needs of the populace. A one-
shot relatively short-duration production program for a distant 'police
action' did not represent a sound investment to industry.
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