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Summary

The purpose of this test is to test extraction of the main parachute.  Tow testing is a relatively cheap and easy way to test this.

Introduction

Overview of how the test is runThe tow test will be performed by tying the parachute bag to the back of an SUV, accelerating up to terminal velocity, and filming parachute extraction.  A line will connect the parachute to a stake in the ground.

Who is needed?

Driver, passenger, observer

Testing locations

Location requirements and weather dependencies: dry conditions, not too windy (<5 mph), at least a mile of runway to perform test

Locations: Berwick, Crow Island

Materials

list

  1. 3 GoPro with mount - ask Sam Austin, Charlie Garcia, Maddie GarciaGoPros with mounts/fancy cameras 
  2. 1000 ft. of line of with breaking strength above 200 lbs
  3.  Parachute
  4. Parachute bag
  5. 1/2 in. stake
  6. Big hammer
  7. 16 ft. of webbing (breaking strength > 300 lbs) to mount parachute bag
  8. Cardboard box or camp standCamp stand/cardboard box
  9. Printed copy of procedure
  10. Line separator
  11. Sand bagsSmall sand bag
  12. Line to tie parachute for repacking (optional)
  13. 4 quick links
  14. ScissorsLighter
  15. Clipboard
  16. Folding table to pack parachute on
  17. Parachute packing procedure - parachute should not be connected to the bag
  18. Tripods for cameras
  19. Traffic cone/markers/stakes at 500 ft. and 1000 ft.
  20. Sewing supplies (especially thread)
  21. Carpenters tape or duct tapeThread

Setup

  1. Contact whoever is in charge of launch/main test about rental cars (make sure the vehicle meets requirements)
  2. Rent car

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What to print before the test: procedure

Procedures

Preparing for the test

  1. Print all necessary procedures
  2. Check cameras (battery level and memory space)
  3. Verify I know how to work slow-mo
  4. Pack all necessary materials

Setting up the test

  1. Use line to measure 1500 200-300 ft. of "runway" (a little under 400 ft is ok)
  2. Drive stake into the groundground 
  3. Pack parachute
  4. Mount parachute and camera to back of SUV
  5. Place 2 cameras on tripods at the end of the line
  6. Wind line in figure 8 by stake
  7. Make a loop in the line to tie a piece of thread that is shorter than the line to the parachute 

Performing the test

  1. Start near stake
  2. Drive up to 60 mph (passenger serves as back-up navigator)
  3. Cameras film parachute extraction
    1. 2 cameras outside car- one on side, one from behind
    2. 1 inside car

Conclusion

Analyzing the results

  • Inspect parachute for tears and burns
  • Inspect bag for tears and burns
  • When watching video, see if the lines come out before the parachute, how the unlocking of the locking loop worked, smoothness of extraction

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