Back in the early days of frail--i.e., even frailer than
now--ultralights (microlights to you limeys), we had hand-deployed
parachutes that actually saved lots of people. Regardless of how their
load paths were routed (usually via impressively stout and heavy steel
cables), they terminated in the pilot's harness. Thus, if all else
failed (literally!), you'd still land on your own two feet in a cloud of
ultralight chaff. Actually, the more of the aircraft fell away, the
better--the descent rate would be lower!
I've often wondered why similar arrangements haven't been tried for
homebuilt airplanes--i.e. considering the parachute a pilot extraction
and rescue system rather than trying to save the a/c, which will most
likely be a write-off in any case. The parachute itself could be
significantly smaller and lighter. Note that Stancil built a rather
successful such system that was employed in such machines as the Douglas
AD-1 Skyraider and North American T-28 Trojan, while Zvezda currently
markets a very sophisticated system for the SU-26 family. I believe
they guarantee it down to 100m and 80 knots. Weighs around 12 Kg per
seat, costs around $12K. The 'chute is packed in a rugged headrest box
assembly (knowing Zvezda, probably forged from a single billet of
unobtainium). Pulling the handle simultaneously launches this thing
through the canopy, shattering same, via powerful springs (no pyros!),
and releases the fittings holding the pilot's harness to the airplane.
Canopy deploys, lines stretch, and out you go. It's hoped that pulling
you out by the harness brings you out in a more or less upright
position, rather than leaving your feet under the instrument panel--but
with no offense to Ivan, I bet that with decent boots the panel would
just rip out rather than taking your feet off in any case.
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