The problem defined in the product improvement of MXU-313/B Recovery Unit was to provide a reliable recovery system capable of stabilizing and decelerating a 200-lb payload from as high as Mach 4.0 and providing an air snatch capability for the system. The problems involved are (1) booster/payload collision, (2) stabilization of the payload after booster separation, (3) deceleration of the payload to a velocity where a parachute could be deployed that would allow for air recovery. Simplicity of design followed by component, subsystem, and finally system testing was accomplished. The BALLUTE decelerator was sized by analytical and wind-tunnel testing of the BALLUTE, vehicle, and booster drag brakes. The recovery system was drop-tested successfully and live launches demonstrated the system capability at varying flight conditions. The following conclusions were reached: (1) the 22-in. BALLUTE can provide the near-instantaneous stabilization of the payload when deployed at Mach numbers up to 4.0 and a dynamic pressure of 25 to 440 psf, (2) the BALLUTE decelerator will adequately decelerate the payload to a velocity at which the Mark VB main recovery parachute can be deployed and at a proper altitude for air recovery and (3) the 22-in. BALLUTE, when coupled with the spring-loaded, Nomex-covered booster drag brakes, will eliminate payload booster collision problems. (Author)
Product Improvement and Redesign of the Mxu-313/B Recovery Unit
1967
90 pages
Report
No indication
English
Redesign and Improvement of Balloon ML-566
NTIS | 1976
|Analysis, testing and redesign of a recovery system
AIAA | 2001
|Product redesign achieves weight savings in forged parts
Tema Archive | 1984
|NTRS | 2016
|