Drag and stability characteristics of high-speed parachutes in the transonic range.

The results of wind tunnel tests of three parachute configurations in the wake of a cone-cylinder are presented. The tests were conducted to extend the drag and stability characteristics of selected parachutes through the transonic speed range. The configurations studied were the hemisflo ribbon, the cross, and the disk-gap-band types. The results are presented as the variation of the parachute drag coefficient with Mach number. General stability characteristics of the parachutes are discussed. The results are then correlated with some published subsonic and supersonic data.