Method for providing gliding and trajectory control of a parachute cluster assembly

US6669146B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

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

Inventors

• Calvin K. Lee · Needham, US
• John E. Buckley · Oldham, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: May 29, 2001
• Grant date: Dec 30, 2003
• Expiry date: May 29, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64D17/06
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A parachute cluster assembly includes a first round parachute having a first canopy of radially extending first gores, and a second round parachute having a second canopy of radially extending second gores. Adjacent ones of the first gores are joined along a line to adjacent ones of the second gores to fix the first canopy to the second canopy along the line. The first canopy defines a first slot spaced from but neighboring the first gores joined along the line, and the second canopy defines a second slot spaced from but neighboring the second gores joined along the line. The first and second slots are disposed on a same side of the cluster assembly.