Trajectory Analysis of the G-11 Family of Clustered Parachutes to Determine Minimum Altitude
Abstract
The U.S. Air Force is interested in determining the minimum altitude at which an aircraft can approach a drop zone and deploy an airdrop system to deliver cargo without its becoming damaged. Lower altitudes will reduce the exposure of aircraft to hostile fire, but being too low will result in the destruction of the cargo. The objective of this report is to determine the minimum altitude at which the cargo may be safely delivered. This was accomplished by analyzing trajectory data for airdrop systems using the G-11 parachute. It was found that the first point (time) at which cargo can be safely landed occurs when the cargo velocity reaches its first minimum total velocity, incident with the first maximum backswing orientation of the system. This criterion was used to determine the statistical mean of the altitude loss. The importance of variability is discussed as it relates to the determination of a safety factor.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA243375
Entities
People
- Steven Kunz
Organizations
- United States Army Soldier Systems Center