Drag Characteristics and Suitability of Three-Foot Long Parachute Decelerators,
Abstract
Air drop and wind tunnel tests were conducted to verify the stability of sonobuoys with decelerators limited to a total length of three feet. This limitation was established for safety reasons. The existing decelerator systems are configured to a length of 5 to 12 feet, with cross-type canopies varying in area from 1.5 to 3.5 square feet. Sonobuoys are blunt nose right circular cylinders, 4-7/8 inches in diameter, 36 inches long ranging in weight from 12 to 39 pounds. Testing established that suitable stability could be achieved using a three-foot long decelerator. Drag coefficient, opening load, high altitude air descent time and stability data were also determined for three-foot long decelerators. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 14, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA111782
Entities
People
- Carl T. Calianno
Organizations
- Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster