MK 45 Aircraft Parachute Flare Optimization Program: Evaluation of Experimental Parachutes and Parachute Materials Flight Test Series No. 2

The report presents the results of MK 45 aircraft parachute flare developmental flight tests experimental parachutes and parachute materials conducted at Naval Weapons Center, China Lake, California. The basis for choice of chutes and materials for these tests was derived from RDTR no. 163. Data obtained from these flight tests indicate the cross type parachute using Cerex Cloth .85 ozsqyd to exhibit the most advantageous characteristics for incorporation into the MK 45 APF system. The data also indicates that a strength problem exists when the same canopy material Cerex is used on the present MK 45 APF flat circular chute. A third system utilizing a cross parachute with a MylarDacron laminate cloth was evaluated. This chute also had cloth failures from the parachute snatch loading forces.