What is the main purpose of a round parachute?

Answer 1

Drag. It reduced the fall rate to a survivable speed.

Answer 2

You need it when on the plane and you can go parasling with it or you can go skydiving that needs a parachute

Answer 3

The original round parachutes had a small amount of maneuverability by pulling on certain cords. But its main purpose was to get someone safely down to the ground.