Aerodynamic Characteristics Of Parachutes At Mach Numbers From 1 6 To 3

A test was conducted in the Propulsion Wind Tunnel (16T) of the Propulsion Wind Tunnel Facility to determine the flow field in the wake of an ejection seat escape system at transonic flight conditions, and to determine the performance characteristics of a stabilization parachute attached to the back of the ejection seat model. The results were obtained for both simulated rocket-off and rocket-on conditions through a model angle-of-attack range from 0 to 30 deg. High pressure air was used to simulate the escape rocket jet plume at a sea-level altitude. The results show that the ejection seat model was statically unstable, but became longitudinally stable with the parachute for the test range investigated. (Author).

A test was conducted in the 16-ft Transonic Wind Tunnel of the Propulsion Wind Tunnel Facility to determine the aerodynamic characteristics of a 0.5-scale ejection seat escape system and to determine the stability effects of a stabilization parachute attached to the back of the ejection seat model. The results were obtained for both simulated rocket-off and rocket-on conditions through a model angle-of-attack range from 0 to 30 deg and an angle-of-yaw range from 0 to 15 deg. High-pressure air was used to simulate the escape rocket jet plume at a sea-level altitude. Over the test range of this investigation, the results show that the ejection seat model was statically unstable but became longitudinally and directionally stable with the parachute using the three- and four-point bridle assemblies. Jet simulation and model yaw angle had little effect on the ejection seat longitudinal stability; however, jet simulation increased the parachute drag coefficient. (Author).

This document serves as the third revision of the USAF Parachute Handbook which was first published in 1951. The data and information represent the current state of the art relative to recovery system design and development. The initial chapters describe representative recovery applications, components, subsystems, material, manufacture and testing. The final chapters provide empirical data and analytical methods useful for predicting performance and presenting a definitive design of selected components into a reliable recovery system.