Documentation of the feasibility research on a destructible parachute

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to develop a destructible parachute capable of deceleration, ignition, and disintegration during free flight. Because of the limited time available for the investigation, a standard nylon ribbon parachute was used with a unique pyrotechnic material to disintegrate the nylon. The most reactive pyrotechnic consisted of a mixture of fine particle metal powders, TNT, and an elastomer, such as Viton A. The materials used in the pyrotechnic mixture and the impregnating procedure are discussed. The pyrotechnic impregnated parachute fabric testing, parachute packaging, and flight delivery of experimental payloads at Tonopah Test Range established the feasibility that a sensor can be delivered without detection.