INVESTIGATION OF VARIOUS TEXTILE PARACHUTES AND CONTROL SYSTEMS TO ACHIEVE STEERABILITY, PHASES III AND IV. PART III.
Abstract
This program covers the detailed investigation of gliding parachutes and their necessary guidance and control systems to achieve a controlled approach to and touchdown at a preselected spot. Theoretical and analytical investigations and exploratory wind-tunnel and truck-tow tests were conducted to establish a flexible and self-inflatable canopy configuration capable of meeting the program objectives. Free-flight tests were conducted to demonstrate the performance of the selected configuration. This report documents the free-flight test phase of the program. Sixteen, 28 and 40 foot steerable parachute canopies were free-flight tested with suspended weights from 198 to 3865 lbs. to obtain deployment, inflation, and performance data. A flexible, self-inflating, steerable parachute was developed which demonstrated a maximum L/D of 2.1 in wind tunnel tests; has been deployed in free-flight tests in sizes up to 40 ft. D(W) at velocities up to 150 knots and altitudes up to 15,000 ft. and demonstrated excellent stability and controllability with turn rate up to 30 degrees per second.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0482081
Entities
People
- Carl R. Graham
- Eugene M. Linhart
- Vince F. Riley