Tue, Oct 18, 2011
Founded Strong Enterprises, 'The Parachute Company With
Imagination'
Strong Enterprises reports on the
company website that company founder Ted Strong passed away on
Friday. No cause of death was listed in the notice, but a comment
posted to the company website by Strong Enterprises notes that,
"An incident has occurred during a
Military Training exercise. We can make no further comments until
the investigation is complete."
Strong Enterprises was formed in 1960 in Quincy, MA, moving to
its present location in Orlando, FL, in 1976. Strong has been
an industry leader in quality and innovation, and has grown from a
single sewing machine to a 20,000 square foot factory with hundreds
of sewing machines and state-of-the-art parachute equipment
manufacturing systems and technology. The company says it has
manufactured parachutes ranging from from four inches (stabilizing
systems for larger objects in freefall) up to 64 feet in diameter.
Ted strong was instrumental in the development of both the Dual
Hawk Tandem and the 2K and 10K SCREAMER Precision Delivery
System.
"There are too many stories to write about the legend that is
Ted Strong," the company wrote. "Ted strived to improve the
industry that he loved without seeking fame or credit. He just
wanted a safer and more inviting environment for everybody to enjoy
and experience skydiving the way he did.
"Ted Strong started skydiving in 1958, entered the US Army in
1959 with 100 jumps, and was stationed at the United States
Military Academy at West Point, NY for two years. His duty
there was to coach the USMA Cadet Parachute Team and the West Point
Sport Parachute Club. In 1961 Ted started Strong Enterprises, a
parachute company in his parents basement. He began by modifying
round parachutes, sewing and making anything his friends needed to
skydive.
A friend once said, “Ted Strong’s company wasn't
there to make money, but to make parachutes for his friends.”
This quote personified Ted.
"The industry and the world has lost a wonderful person and
those that knew him will miss him dearly. Those that never had the
pleasure of meeting him will feel his influence anytime they make a
skydive."
More News
Inversion to Launch Reentry Vehicle Demonstrator Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 This fall, the aerospace startup Inversion is set to launch its Ray reentry demonstrator capsule aboard Spac>[...]
"We are excited to accelerate the adoption of electric aviation technology and further our journey towards a sustainable future. The agreement with magniX underscores our commitmen>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
Aero Linx: OX5 Aviation Pioneers Each year a national reunion of OX5 Aviation Pioneers is hosted by one of the Wings in the organization. The reunions attract much attention as man>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]
SpaceX to Launch Inversion RAY Reentry Vehicle in Fall
See All