Heh, heh... and to think I started it...
...but seriously - 377, is there any talk on your end of things in Jump World of using enhancements on parachutes to generate such things as increased lift, or increased horizontal speeds?
There is a lot of research going into electrogravitics for reducing "g." One field is the use of electrostatic fields. NASA is using a form of enhanced electrostatic fields on its Deep Space I explorer, where the exhausts are electrically charged to create more thrust. Similarly, electrostatic devices are being installed on the leading edges of the wings of Stealth planes, as I hear it, to increase their speed beyond what their engines can produce.
Here is the science as I understand it: Air molecules carry an electric charge. So when a plane moves through air it is also moving through an electromagnetic field, albeit a weak one. So, if the electrostatic charge on the wing edge could be controlled, the plane would move through the air with less electromagnetic resistance, or conversely, be pulled through the air more dynamically.
I can see the same thing with parachutes. If the chutes and lines could be charged somehow, the chute might float longer and further. Theoretically, you might never come down.
What say you?
Shutter, I suppose this is posted in the wrong place, so please move where it might be a better fit. Thanks.