Hoffman-Russell Parachute Co. Corporate Records, 1926-1942

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Summary

Abstract:
The Hoffman-Russell Parachute Company was founded by James M. Russell and Major Edward L. Hoffman, both of whom helped design first parachute at McCook Flying Field in Dayton, Ohio, which was adopted by the Army Air Corps.
Extent:
0.36 Cubic Feet One Box
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Item], [Filing Unit], [Series Title], [Subgroups], [Record Group Title and Number], [Repository “San Diego Air & Space Museum Library & Archives”]

Background

Scope and content:

The majority of this collection contains business correspondence, diagrams, and blueprints. There are a few photographs, and a postcard, as well as newspaper articles. A few sheets of paper were stapled and contain rust marks. The book Parachute was also stapled. Report No. 706 was held together by special binding screws. The unmarked folders have pink string taped to the folder itself. Note: Northrop in Folder 2, unmarked folder 3, there is an original typographical error that spells it “Northrup.”

Biographical / historical:

James M. Russell had little to no aviation experience before becoming a major contributor to the evolution of parachutes. He helped design the first parachute at McCook Flying Field in Dayton, Ohio with Major Edward L. Hoffman, and this parachute was adopted by the Army Air Corps. Following this, Russell came to San Diego and designed the “Lobe” parachute, which reduced the force the handler experienced when the parachute was deployed by 1/3rd of other parachutes, as well as eliminating oscillation that plagued previous parachutes on their descent. Russell also patented the parachute pack. These two innovations led to the development of the Russell Parachute Company, located in San Diego. The company aimed to sell its parachutes to the military, but it also advertised towards commercial aviation. The company insisted that all aircraft passengers should be provided with a parachute in the case of an emergency.

Russell and Hoffman also experimented with other parachute designs, including a parachute for an entire aircraft. Should a malfunction occur, a parachute could be deployed to slow down the aircraft’s speed and hopefully give the pilot enough control to land the plane. Although his ideas were never implemented, his insight has been modified and used by other companies today.

Russell died of a heart attack in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 13, 1941 at the age of 43.

Acquisition information:
The materials in this Collection were donated to the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open to researchers by appointment.

Terms of access:

Some copyright may be reserved. Consult with the library director for more information.

Preferred citation:

[Item], [Filing Unit], [Series Title], [Subgroups], [Record Group Title and Number], [Repository “San Diego Air & Space Museum Library & Archives”]

Location of this collection:
2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101, US
Contact:
(619) 234-8291
archives@sdasm.org
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