How many A-lines does a nine-cell canopy have?

A nine-cell canopy typically has ten A-lines. The A-lines are the suspension lines that connect the canopy to the risers and support the front edge of the parachute. In a nine-cell canopy, there are usually two A-lines associated with each of the nine cells, but due to the way certain canopies are designed, there is often an additional line to accommodate the structure, making a total of ten A-lines.

This design helps in evenly distributing the load across the canopy and maintaining stability during flight. Canopies are designed based on specific aerodynamic principles, and the arrangement of lines reflects considerations for performance and safety. As for the other options, a nine-cell canopy having eight, nine, or eleven A-lines does not align with standard design principles commonly accepted within parachuting, explaining why those numbers would be inaccurate for this type of parachute.