Preliminary Evaluation of Kevlar-29 Versus Nylon by SLAP/TV Free-Flight Deployment Tests of 12.5-Foot-Diameter Ribbon Parachutes

摘要

A series of twelve sled-launched tests were conducted to evaluate the suitability of Kevlar-29 as a replacement for nylon in parachute construction. Kevlar-29 was found to be a suitable replacement for nylon in parachute construction with an attendant 50% savings in weight and volume. However, different design techniques than those used for all-nylon parachutes were found to be necessary when horizontal ribbons made of Kevlar-29 were used. (ERA citation 04:001153)