INVESTIGATION OF DEPLOYMENT AND LANDING LOADS WITH A LIMP PARAGLIDER
Abstract
The report covers the initial evaluation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) 24-foot limp parawing for use as a manned aerial delivery system. A satisfactory application of the parawing to this use will provide the capability of offset precision aerial delivery of personnel. Aided by a navigational system, the parawing could be employed during night and during conditions of adverse visibility. The primary objective of the evaluation was the acquisition of deployment load data on the parawing. Testing, which included dummy drop tests and live drop tests, was conducted from 16 March 1966 to 20 April 1966. In general, the measured and observed characteristics of the parawing, coupled with the comments of the members of the U. S. Army Parachute Team (USAPT) who flew the wing, indicate that the parawing has potential and merits further investigation. Specifically, the loads were found to be within human tolerance and were no greater than those experienced in jumping conventional parachutes. The glide ratio of the parawing appears to be in excess of 2:1.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0646578
Entities
People
- John W. Sobczak