Development of a parachute to fulfill the EN12491 standard

Abstract

Most paraglider pilots carry a reserve parachute which is deployed in the case of loss of control structural failure of the glider. The formal requirements, which these parachutes have to fulfill, are stipulated in the EN12491:2001/2015 standard. For the development of a rescue parachute for paraglider pilots, the standard as well as market demand and manufacturability are taken into account. To achieve compliance the norm, manufacturing methods are evaluated and CFD simulation results are compared to practical tests. The result is an emergency parachute with a maximum suspended weight of 115kg, which is ready for certification.

Type
Publication
Master’s Degree in Aviation (Aeronautical Engineering) at FH JOANNEUM
Nikolaus Kurcz
Nikolaus Kurcz
Textile Aeronautics Consultant

My research interests include technical textiles, especially parachutes and paragliders.