Air-Launched Balloon System
Abstract
This test program was conducted to investigate the feasibility of developing an air-launched balloon system which is eventually intended to carry a tactical communications relay to altitude when a ground launch of the system is not practical. Fourteen airdrop tests were conducted from a C-130 aircraft at altitudes of 10,000 feet and 25,000 feet MSL and at an indicated airspeed of 130 knots. The test system weighed approximately 1500 pounds and operated in three stages: (1) extraction and descent under the extraction parachute, (2) deployment and descent under the recovery parachute, and (3) deployment and filling of the balloon. The test results indicated that the system developed is a feasible approach for air-launching a balloon system with some further development. When testing was terminated by the customer due to a shortage of balloons, time, and money, several problems still existed in the system. The first-stage suspension system components were susceptible to damage during the extraction phase of the test and the balloon inflation tube was susceptible to being choked off and bursting during the balloon-filling phase.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADB025764
Entities
People
- Michael R. Wuest
- Warren N. Massey
Organizations
- Air Force Test Center