Accession Number:

AD0474407

Title:

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THE VORTEX RING PARACHUTE CANOPY.

Descriptive Note:

Technical rept. Oct 57-Oct 60,

Corporate Author:

AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS DIV WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH FLIGHT ACCESSORIES LAB

Personal Author(s):

• Gross, Reinhold J.
• Riffle, Arnold B.

Report Date:

1961-10-01

Pagination or Media Count:

95.0

Abstract:

The performance characteristics of scale-model and full-size Vortex Ring parachute canopies were determined during wind-tunnel, aircraft-tow, and aerial-drop test programs. Specific performance characteristics of various modificationsof Vortex Ring parachute canopies are presented as well as comparative performance characteristics of a Type G-13 parachute canopy and a 28-ft standard, flat, circular parachute canopy tested under similar conditions. The drag coefficient for the Vortex Ring parachute canopies, determined during free-flight testing and based upon the total canopy cloth area, is appreciably higher than that for any other conventional type of parachute canopy, although it varied between 0.93 and 1.55. Drag coefficients as high as 1.97 were measured on scale-model canopies during subsonic wind-tunnel tests. The deployment and opening characteristics of the Vortex Ring parachute canopies, however, were erratic and inconsistent. When the parachute canopies inflated fully, they exhibited good stability characteristics. Author

Descriptors:

• (*DROGUE PARACHUTES
• AERODYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS)
• PARACHUTES
• PERFORMANCE(ENGINEERING)
• TEST METHODS
• DRAG
• FLIGHT TESTING
• SUBSONIC CHARACTERISTICS
• STABILITY
• ACCEPTABILITY

Subject Categories:

• Gliders and Parachutes

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE