Abstract: A self-staging parachute apparatus including a drogue parachute and a main parachute each encapsulated in a respective packing bag with the main parachute packing bag defining a side pocket through which a specialized retention bridle extends from the suspension lines of the drogue chute directly to a load line connected to the load. The load thus utilizes a single point of attachment for both the drogue parachute and the main parachute with the retention bridle of the drogue parachute in movable engagement extending through the pocket of the main parachute deployment bag. The main parachute and drogue parachute when packed are designed to form a generally cylindrical shape which is adapted to be easily placed within cylindrical payloads such as flares or the like to facilitate deployment thereof after the rocket motor has been separated.

Abstract: A large parachute having an inlet control parachute operable to positively expand the inlet area of a large parachute detachably secured thereto to facilitate deployment of the large parachute including a main canopy which is reefed to the outer portion of the inlet control parachute. The inlet control parachute includes an inlet control canopy with an upper vent and a plurality of longitudinally extending inlet control gore panels which are attached with respect to one another longitudinally therealong and define an inlet control skirt along the lowermost edge thereof. The inlet control parachute is designed to expand in a generally circular form and thereby positively expand and circularize the inlet area of the large parachute to minimize folding and uneven distribution of the canopy of the large parachute during deployment thereof.

Abstract: A parachute apparatus with a main canopy having conventional suspension lines and load carrying means with a plurality of main loops attached with respect to the panels of the main canopy. A secondary canopy is positioned within the main inlet opening of the first canopy and is adapted to intially retain the lower edge of the main canopy in a closed position. The outer surface of the secondary canopy and the inner surface of the main loop canopy are connected by way of the main loops and by way of secondary loops located on the external surface of the secondary canopy. A retaining cord extends through the secondary loops and the main loops to reef the main canopy to the secondary canopy during the initial stages of inflation. During this time the secondary canopy will inflate and provide a controlled flow of inflation air into the main chute. Once the main parachute has become partially inflated then the reefing cord is cut allowing full inflation of the larger main canopy.

Abstract: A gliding wing parachute apparatus having a plurality of longitudinally extending ram-air inflation cells which are grouped into individual stages which are released preferably upon full inflation of the previous stage. The stages are preferably balanced with respect to the centerline of the parachute. The second and third stages are reefed by being retained by lacing or fabric flaps into closed position until full deployment of the previously deployed stage is completed. Pyrotechnic cutting devices can be responsive to full inflation to cause release of the next scheduled stage of ram-air inflation cells. Subsequent stages can be formed by inflation cells of a thinner material since the load will be less than during initial deployment. Also tensile strength of suspension lines can be decreased with subsequent stages due to lower loading characteristics.

Abstract: An improved cruciform parachute being radially constructing having a canopy which is hemispherically-shaped with an apex at the uppermost portion thereof. A plurality of panels extend vertically from adjacent the apex to a lower canopy edge. Each panel includes an upper panel section and a lower panel section with an intermediate edge therebetween. A plurality of open sections are defined by the lower panel sections of certain of the panel members in order to define a plurality of gores. These gores are diametrically opposite from other similarly shaped gores with each cruciform parachute having four such gores. Each gore is preferably defined by two adjacent panel members having lower panel sections defining open sections therein. Preferably the intermediate edge immediately above two adjacent lower panel members which are open will be inclined upwardly toward one another to form a conventional cruciform parachute gore but with a radial construction.

Abstract: A shipboard mounted apparatus for the retrieval of air vehicles, including remotely piloted, or automonous, unmanned vehicles, which includes a deployable lifting device such as a ram-air parachute which is secured through a tow line to the ship traveling upwind therebelow. A capturing device such as a ribbon parachute which may be annular is also movably secured to the tow line immediately below the ram-air parachute and may include a homing beacon therein such that capture of an air vehicle is achieved by it traveling into and collapsing this ribbon parachute. A winch is secured to the ship therebelow and is attached to the lower end of the tow line to control the inward and outward movement of the extended tow line. Once an air vehicle is captured in the ribbon parachute, the tow line is pulled in by the winch allowing the collapsed ribbon parachute and the captured air vehicle to be drawn into the ship to thereby be received by a landing net preferably of an open mesh nylon webbing.