What does the term 'gores' refer to in parachute terminology?

What does the term 'gores' refer to in parachute terminology?

• A. The individual fabric panels that form the canopy, stitched together to create the dome shape.
• B. The cords that connect the canopy to the harness.
• C. The decorative fabric strips on the canopy.
• D. The threads used to stitch canopies.

Answer: (A)

Go­res are the individual fabric panels that form the canopy, stitched together to create the dome shape. Each gore is a curved panel (often a trapezoidal sector) that broadens toward the center and narrows toward the edge. By sewing many gores around the circumference, the canopy takes on its rounded, aerodynamic surface. The exact number of gores varies by design, but the concept is the same: the canopy’s shape comes from assembling multiple fabric panels rather than a single piece. This is distinct from cords (the lines that connect to the harness), decorative strips, or the thread used to stitch the fabric.

Go­res are the individual fabric panels that form the canopy, stitched together to create the dome shape. Each gore is a curved panel (often a trapezoidal sector) that broadens toward the center and narrows toward the edge. By sewing many gores around the circumference, the canopy takes on its rounded, aerodynamic surface. The exact number of gores varies by design, but the concept is the same: the canopy’s shape comes from assembling multiple fabric panels rather than a single piece. This is distinct from cords (the lines that connect to the harness), decorative strips, or the thread used to stitch the fabric.