Flare Chutes

[rbeckey]

I have several 36 inch flare chutes that I have tried to use on a couple different mid power designs. On two occasions they failed to open, with results that I am certain you can imagine. Anybody else having this problem with these chutes?

 

[Zippy]

I have about a 32" flare 'chute. I t has 8 shroud lines around the circumfrence and one in the middle. I used it on a 2 pound rocket and it floated and floated and floated the rocket into the nearest woods. That was on a flight to about 1400' with stiff upper level winds. The material seams to be made of something like silk. It's a very efficiant chute that I got for free. I can't imagine it not opening. I'm going to reef it next time.

 

[rstaff3]

I've used my 36" version numerous times with no problems. Doesn't mean it won't happen to me next time.

 

[Fore Check]

I'd be interested to hear how you packed the chute. Usually, when I have a 'chute failure, it's because I packed the chute wrong or weird or screwy.

I used a 36" flare chute in my upscaled Solar Sailer II with fantastic results - a perfect recovery with nearly zero wobble or spin. I was *very* pleased with its performance.

I packed it just like you would a smaller plastic chute: Draw it out to as much of a point as possible, fold a bit, and then wrap the shroud lines around the chute. Fit snugly in the BT60 airframe, but worked great.

I did cut off that wire loop at the chute attachment point that came with it, though. It was a tad "sharp" and seemed like it could catch on something and foul things up. I replaced it with a double loop of 100# kevlar, and tied the kevlar to a swivel clip. Worked great!

 

[rbeckey]

I also cut off that sharp cable loop. I packed them the same as always, and my chute failure rate is extremely low. I was pleased with them on the occassions they DID open, but they are only about 3/5 for me right now.

 

[flying_silverad]

Originally posted by rbeckey
I have several 36 inch flare chutes that I have tried to use on a couple different mid power designs. On two occasions they failed to open, with results that I am certain you can imagine. Anybody else having this problem with these chutes?

That's why they call it a flare chute. Sorry, I couldn't resist