Development flight tests of the Viking decelerator system.Significant aspects of a low altitude flight test phase of the overall Viking decelerator system development are given. This test series included nine aircraft drop tests that were conducted at the Joint Parachute Test Facility, El Centro, California, between September 1971 and May 1972. The test technique and analytical planning method utilized to best simulate loading conditions in a low density environment are presented and some test results are shown to assess their adequacy. Performance effects relating to suspension line lengths of 1.7 D sub o with different canopy loadings are noted. System hardware developments are described, in particular the utilization of a fabric deployment mortar cover which remained attached to the parachute canopy. Finally, the contribution of this test series to the overall program is assessed.
Document ID
19730046639
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Murrow, H. N.
Eckstrom, C. V. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, Va., United States)
Henke, D. W. (Goodyear Aerospace Corp. Akron, Ohio, United States)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1973
Subject Category
Aircraft
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 73-455
Meeting Information
Meeting: Aerodynamic Deceleration Systems Conference
Location: Palm Springs, CA
Start Date: May 21, 1973
End Date: May 23, 1973
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics