DESIGN OF AN UNIVERSAL FLIGHT VEHICLE FOR SIMULATED TESTING OF AIRCREW ESCAPE SYSTEM PARACHUTES

Abstract

Aircrew Escape System parachutes which consists of multiplex parachutes are the life saving devices meant for safe landing of Pilots in case of emergency exit from the aircraft. These parachutes need to be tested rigorously to achieve utmost level of confidence and reliability before putting them into operational use. No facility exists, at present, for comprehensive testing of 'whole' system at supersonic speeds which can generate test data except a few e.g. RTRS , aircraft drop test faility etc.. Existing facilities can only test individual parachutes without simulating operational conditions. Design of an Univ,~rsal Flight Vehicle (UFV) has been aimed to provide a facility to test these parachute system under simulated conditions, UFV is an aerodynamically shaped cylindrical body in which test parachute system is housed. It is fitted with On - Board Recording and Communication Package (OBRCP) . Various types of transducers and A-D interface with necessary instrumentation under the command of a CPU of OBRCP would facilitate record and transmit the test data continuously generating a trajectory profile during sequential deployment of each parachute. Videographi: records obtained from on-board camcorders would help to study deployment ch3racteristics whereas test data obtained from OBRCP which would enable performance analysis of the test parachutes. An ab-initio concept for UFV has been utilised to design the complete hardware with a view to fulfil the airworthiness aspect when it is carried on / or jettisoned from the underwing pylon of the mother aircraft