Drogue parachute

B52 landing with drogue chute

File:SAAF-BAE Hawk-Drogue parachute-001.ogv

typhoon deploying parachute arp

Aeroflot Tupolev Tu-104B at Arlanda, July 1968

Ar 234B Drogue Chute Location

Drogue parachute is a type of parachute designed specifically to be deployed from a rapidly moving object, primarily to decrease its speed. Unlike the main parachutes used for skydiving, which are designed to safely bring a person or payload to the ground, drogue parachutes are often used to stabilize or decelerate objects at high velocities. They are commonly employed in a variety of applications, including in spacecraft re-entry and landing systems, drag racing cars, and as a part of the deployment sequence for larger parachutes.

Design and Function

The design of a drogue parachute is optimized for high-speed deployment, where it must withstand extreme forces without failing. It typically has a smaller diameter and a more robust construction compared to a main parachute. The shape is often conical or hemispherical, allowing it to maintain stability and perform efficiently at high speeds. The materials used in its construction, such as high-strength fabrics and cords, are selected for their durability and resistance to the high temperatures and stresses encountered during deployment.

Applications

Aerospace

In aerospace, drogue parachutes are critical for the recovery of spacecraft and rockets. They are used to slow down the vehicle during re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere and before the deployment of the main landing parachutes. For example, the Space Shuttle utilized a drogue chute to decelerate before landing, and many modern space capsules use drogue chutes to stabilize and slow down the capsule before the main parachutes are deployed.

Aviation

In aviation, drogue parachutes are used in emergency situations to decelerate aircraft that are landing at speeds higher than normal, or to assist in the rapid deceleration of high-performance military aircraft on short runways.

Automotive

In the automotive industry, particularly in drag racing, drogue parachutes are an essential safety feature. They are deployed at the end of a run to rapidly decelerate the vehicle, ensuring the driver can bring the car to a stop within the limited space of the racetrack.

Military

The military uses drogue parachutes for various purposes, including the deceleration of cargo or equipment dropped from aircraft, and in the extraction of heavy loads from transport planes, where the drogue chute is deployed first to stabilize and extract the main payload parachute.

Deployment Mechanisms

The deployment of a drogue parachute can be initiated manually by the operator or automatically through a mechanical or electronic release mechanism. The timing of the deployment is critical, especially in high-speed applications, to ensure the safety of the vehicle and its occupants or payload. Once deployed, the drogue chute quickly inflates and begins to exert a drag force on the object, slowing it down and, in some cases, stabilizing its descent or trajectory.

Safety Considerations

The use of drogue parachutes involves significant safety considerations, including the risk of premature or failed deployment. Proper packing, maintenance, and handling are essential to ensure the reliable performance of the drogue chute. In addition, operators must be trained to deploy the chute correctly and to manage any potential malfunctions.

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