ripcord handle

D-ring

i. A D-shaped metallic ring for deploying a personal parachute. It is located on the left side at the breast level, permitting it to be pulled by the right hand without much difficulty. Also known as a ripcord handle.
ii. In parachuting terms, D-rings are two steel rings sewn to the front of the harness for attaching the reserve chute.

An Illustrated Dictionary of Aviation Copyright © 2005 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved