Aircraft deceleration parachute systems

The aircraft deceleration parachute produces a high deceleration force at the touchdown speed of the aircraft when the brakes are relatively inefficient. During landings on icy or wet runways, a large percentage of the braking is accomplished by the deceleration parachute. Another advantage besides a reduction in landing roll is increased flight safety under emergency conditions such as landings with inoperative brakes, aborted takeoffs, and emergency landings on short runways. Brake maintenance is also considerably reduced when the deceleration parachute is used.

At present the drogue parachute is folded by hand and stowed in the rear fuselage of the aircraft. It is deployed as the aircraft touches the runway when the pilot releases a latch holding a door at the end of the parachute compartment. As soon as the momentum of the aircraft has been reduced to safe taxiing speed the drogue parachute is jettisoned or allowed to drag on the runway until the aircraft stops.

The deceleration (drogue/drag) parachute assembly was developed in 1960' by the U.S. Air Force for deceleration of the aircraft while landing. It is a circular ring slot canopy that is made up of 20 gores and 20 suspension lines.