Drag And Performance Characteristics Of Several Flexible Aerodynamic Decelerators At Mach Numbers From 15 To 60 PDF Download

An experimental investigation was conducted at Mach numbers from 1.5 to 6.0 to determine the drag and stability characteristics of several flexible aerodynamic decelerators located in the wake of double-strut-mounted forebodies. Data are presented which show a decrease in drag with an increase in free-stream Mach number and/or a decrease in drag for both guide surface decelerators and for a ballute. Because of differences in calibration techniques, riser line length, and test equipment, a 50- to 70-percent lower value of drag coefficient was obtained on a series of supersonic X decelerators when compared to previous tests. The present data do, however, agree reasonably well with drag data for a full-scale decelerator. An indication of the parachute stability is given in tabular form. All of the present data were obtained at a free-stream dynamic pressure of 1.0 psia and static pressures corresponding to pressure altitudes ranging from 70,000 to 130,000 ft. (Author).