Gliding decelerator including an assembly for improving the lift to drag ratio associated therewith

US5303883A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army · US

Inventors

• John C. Brewer · Salt Lake City, US
• James E. Sadeck · Lakeville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 16, 1993
• Grant date: Apr 19, 1994
• Expiry date: Jul 16, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64D17/025
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A gliding decelerator and an assembly for use therein for improving the l to drag ratio associated therewith. In a preferred embodiment, the gliding decelerator includes a ram-air canopy shaped to include a plurality of half-cells, each half-cell having an open leading end and a closed tailing end. Inflatable bladders are secured within the respective half-cells of the canopy, the inflatable bladders being appropriately dimensioned so that, when inflated soon after the canopy has been opened, each bladder fills its respective half-cell in such a way as to stiffen the half-cell both along its length and at its open leading end. The inflatable bladders may be inflated simultaneously or in stages, the inflation means comprising a gas source, a flexible manifold connecting the gas source to the half-cells and valve means for controlling the output of the gas source. Control of the valve means may be automatic, e.g., a timer, a remote control unit, or may be controlled by a parachutist, e.g., completion of an electric circuit. The inflation means may be mounted within the wing-shaped canopy or may be externally mounted.