RAM AIR PARACHUTE WITH IMPROVED CANOPY DESIGN

Title:

RAM AIR PARACHUTE WITH IMPROVED CANOPY DESIGN

Document Type and Number:

WIPO Patent Application WO2003053779

Kind Code:

A3

Abstract:

The ram air parachute has a number of novel features which limit distortions to the canopy and improve performance. Restrictions on the inlets (25a, 25b) to the cells (42, 43, ) operate reduce drag during flight and to reduce opening forces. The restrictions include triangular sections (60) blocking portions of the inlets (25a, 25b). The triangular sections (60) are dimensioned to tension the top skin (21a, 21b) between the loaded ribs (33) and non-loaded ribs (32, 34) to preserve an aerodynamic shape during flight without cross-bracing. The loaded ribs (33) may be shortened to create a zig-zag pattern at the front edge of the bottom skin for improved deployment with reduce drag during flight. The top skin (21a, 21b) may be shaped to increase tension in certain areas for improved stability. Additionally, flexible stiffeners may be attached to the ribs of the canopy at the nose to maintain its shape. Finally, the ribs may have different heights to adjust tensioning of the bottom skin and non-loaded ribs, to help reduce distortion on the top skin.

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Inventors:

PRESTON DANIEL

Application Number:

PCT/US2002/039520

Publication Date:

November 20, 2003

Filing Date:

December 09, 2002

Export Citation:

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Assignee:

ATAIR AEROSPACE INC (US)

International Classes:

B64C31/036; B64D17/02; (IPC1-7): B64D17/02

Foreign References:

US5082210A	1992-01-21
US3724789A	1973-04-03
US5174529A	1992-12-29
US5967463A	1999-10-19
US5102071A	1992-04-07
US4705238A	1987-11-10

Other References: