Evaluation of Slimpak Style Parachute in CT4A Airtrainer Aircraft.
Abstract
The Slimpak style parachute was being evaluated, under Technical Investigation 517, for use in place of the standard 'Flexible Back' parachute which had proven unsatisfactory in helicopter operations when worn by large crew members. Some instructors and students of No 1 Flying Training School, of rather large build, were unable to wear the Flexible Back parachute in the CT4A Airtrainer because of restriction to control column deflection. Headquarters Support Command considered that the Slimpak style parachute might be suitable for use in the Airtrainer by the large crew memebers and ARDU was directed to investigate this possibility. Ground and flight trials were conducted using a wide range of aircrew sizes. Dropping trials were carried out under Technical Investigation 517. The 'Slimpak; model parachute as tested was found to be unacceptable for use in the Airtrainer by aircrew with a buttock to heel length of less than about 1.02 m. It was also found to have major deficiencies in design and operation of the the harness and associated buckles that would render it unsuitable in its present form for use by the RAAF in any other aircraft. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA047083