60,000 Pound Capacity Extraction System
Abstract
This LAPES (Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System) test program was conducted to determine the suitability of proposed extraction parachute subsystems to safely and reliably extract platform airdrop loads weighing from 31,500 to 60,000 pounds. The following extraction parachutes were evaluated in single and cluster of two configurations: 35-foot diameter single slot (ss), 44- foot diameter ribbon (R), 40-feet diameter R, and 35-foot diameter R. Twenty- seven tests were conducted during this test program. A modified HC-130H aircraft was used as the drop aircraft except for the first test where a C-141 was used. The aircraft flew at 130 knots indicated airspeed and at pressure altitudes of 2,280 to 5,000 feet. The load weights ranged from 12,880 to 42,000 pounds. Test results indicated that a cluster of two 35 foot diameter R extraction parachutes and a 15 foot diameter drogue parachute was the most suitable combination to extract a load of 60,000 pounds.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA145841
Entities
People
- Michael R. Wuest
- Miguel A. Lopez
Organizations
- Air Force Test Center