An improved cruciform-type parachute is provided for aerial delivery of
cargo, with a center panel shaped as a square or other regular polygon,
and first lens-shaped panels conjoined to each edge of the center panel.
The first lens-shaped panels are formed of two circular section
sub-panels conjoined along their respective arc segments. Side panels,
shaped as rectangles or other quadrilaterals, have one edge conjoined
with each first lens-shaped panel at the other edge opposite from the
center panel. The adjacent side edges of each pair of adjacent side
panels are conjoined to either convex edge of a second lens-shaped panel.
The second lens-shaped panels are defined by three edges; two of which
are defined by symmetrically opposed convex arcs joined at one end, and
the third edge defined by a straight line intersecting the other ends of
the arcs. One end of each of a plurality of upper rigging members are
disposed along an edge opposite from the first lens-shaped panel on each
side panel. The other ends of the upper rigging members converge and
conjoin with an upper end of a single lower rigging member. The lower end
of each lower rigging member connects to the supported cargo. Additional
lens-shaped panels may be disposed between lateral divisions of the side
panels.