Our classic parachute release showed up in the Marvel Studio’s 2011 superhero film, Captain America: The First Avenger, starring Chris Evans. Capewell CFO Robert Brooks noticed it and did a screen grab of the image shown here.
“Capewells” (as they are known in the parachute community) were first developed in 1939 in cooperation with the US Army. Prior to that, paratroopers were in danger of being dragged across the landscape by the wind. For the first time, our little device gave troops a way to quickly disengage from their chutes upon landing. The design has stood the test of time, as “Capewells” are still in regular use today—and relatively unchanged.
Little did we know that “Capewells” would have a second career as a movie prop. We’ve spotted them in many Hollywood films—and are always on the lookout for more. We’ll be creating a gallery of movie images and videos that feature our products…so check back soon for that.