GB909631A - Parachute - Google Patents

Abstract

909,631. Parachutes. LEMOIGNE, P. M. March 27, 1961 [April 7, 1960], No. 11161/61. Class 4. A parachute comprises a plurality of nozzle means formed through the canopy to direct air from the lower to the upper surface of the canopy along flowpaths having a horizontal component in a common general direction, to impart an opposite horizontal component of motion to the canopy during descent, Fig. 4 shows the gores and shroud lines of a flat circular parachute laid out radially. Of the gores, those between shroud lines j and o are formed with channels 201, 202 through which air passes from the lower to the upper side of the canopy, flowing radially outwards, as shown by airflow lines 22 in the vertical section of Fig. 6. The gores between shroud lines v and c have similar channels 203, 204 through which air passes from the lower to the upper side of the canopy, flowing radially inwards. These airflows cause a horizontal motion of the parachute in the direction of arrow 70, the horizontal velocity being controllable by the user by cords (not shown) attached to the fabric of the channels to vary their cross-sections. The gores between shroud lines d and h, and q and u, have channels such as 84, 85, discharging air in a circumferential direction to assist horizontal motion, and can be opened differentially on opposite sides of the canopy to control the canopy in azimuth. The remaining gores have slits 205 with reinforced edges, which open on deployment to reduce the initial shock, and can be closed manually afterwards to increase drag. Stabilizing panels 61-66 are disposed in two opposed groups, each panel being attached along its edges to the adjacent shroud lines. The upper edge 99 of each panel is shorter than and not attached to the opposed edge 100 of the corresponding gore, so that during descent, air can flow through the aperture which is formed. Triangular panels 80, 81, 86 and 87 flank the main panels. The horizontal component of drag of the canopy is reduced by omitting part of the front portion of the canopy, see also Fig. 7, the cut-out being framed by inflatable tubular frame elements 93-96 reinforced by tapes 97 and 102. The stabilizing panels may be in two diametrically opposed groups, or if the airflow channels described above are not provided, may extend all round the canopy. The canopy may be triangular, rectangular, or trapezoidal in plan, and may be shaped by interior rigging lines and plastic or light alloy stiffeners, to have the contour of a highly cambered wing. The rigging lines may have suitable fabric sheaths 98 to protect the stabilizer panels during deployment.