pilotdave 0 #1 April 16, 2004 I recently came across a 1968 technical paper on the ongoing testing of ram-air (parafoil) canopies. The paper was published in the sept-oct 1970 Journal of Aircraft published by the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). This paper was originally presented at the AIAA 2nd Aerodynamic Deceleration Conference, El Centro, CA, Sept 23-25, 1968. The paper is somewhat technical in parts, but there's a lot of great history that I had never heard before. You can see the paper at http://www.skydivingmovies.com/parafoil. Sorry that it's just in huge jpeg scans. I'd have made pdf files if I could. Who knew we all owe so much to the University of Notre Dame? Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #2 April 17, 2004 Dave, Where did you find this great piece of history? I would like to get a copy of the complete paper. SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #3 April 17, 2004 Fascinating. According to the references, they were experimenting with para-foils as early as 1965. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilotdave 0 #4 April 17, 2004 I found it in the 1970 book of all the Journal of Aircraft articles from that year. We had the 1965 to 1970 editions at work and I was told to throw them out. Asked if I could take them home instead. Apparently someone had saved them when the company library was disbanded years ago. Last time this one was checked out, the information was still current. I bet you can order a copy through the AIAA: http://www.aiaa.org/publications/index.hfm?pub=13. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #5 April 18, 2004 Thanks Dave, I will try and order it. SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
