Parachute Recovery Systems by T W Knacke

The Parachute Recovery Systems Design Manual
by T.W. Knacke 

Designing Recovery Systems

Here is everything there is to know about recovery systems from the earliest models to the latest, most advanced parachutes. This incredible compilation of parachute design information provides you with tools to evaluate, select, design, test, manufacture, and operate parachute recovery systems. They range from simple, one-parachute assemblies to multiple-parachute systems. All aspects are discussed, including the need for parachute recovery, the selection of the most suitable recovery system concept, a computerized approach to parachute performance, force and stress analysis, geometric gore design, component layout, material selection, system design, manufacturing, and in-service maintenance. In short, this is the last word in technical design manuals for recovery systems.

"Theo Knacke has made major contributions to Sandia's high performance parachute programs since 1954 through his publications, design manuals, parachute short courses and generous advice. This excellent design manual adds even more stature to his international reputation as a parachute expert." 
-Randy Maydew, Manager, Aerodynamics, Sandia National Laboratories (retired). 

"This book provides the necessary tools to evaluate, select, design, test, manufacture and operate parachute recovery systems, laying stress on contemporary practice. A 'must' for parachute engineers." 
-David Cockrell, University of Leicester, England. 
Recipient of the 1989 AIAA Aerodynamic Decelerator Award. 
"Here is an outstanding and exhaustive study of round parachutes by the pre-eminent engineer in the field."
-Dan Poynter, author, The Parachute Manual. 

Theo Knacke is the parachute engineer's engineer. He has spent a lifetime working in all phases of parachute research, development and application in both Germany and the United States. He is the authority on escape systems, landing deceleration canopies, aerial delivery clusters, personnel parachutes and spacecraft recovery systems. Mr. Knacke served as Chief of the Technical Staff for both the Gemini and Apollo Spacecraft Landing Systems. He is known worldwide for his lectures sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and hosted by the University of Minnesota. 

This handy reference will provide you with everything there is to know about parachute engineering and design. 

Table of Contents

Chapter One
Introduction

Chapter 2
Parachute recovery system definitions and descriptions

Chapter 3
Units of measurement, technical tables, and symbols.

Chapter 4
Aerodynamics as related to Parachutes

Chapter 5
Parachute characteristics and performance

Chapter 6
Design of parachute assembly and components

Chapter 7
Design of parachute recovery and landing systems

Chapter 8
Parachute recovery systems applications

Figures

Tables

Reference Material

Index

Reviews

The Recovery Systems Design Manual

By Theo Knacke

"This Manual's purposes to provide recovery system engineers in government and industry with tools to evaluate, analyze, select, and design parachute recovery systems." -International Aerospace Abstracts

"Since it represents distilled wisdom received from a very experienced parachute design engineer this book is invaluable. This book makes a significant contribution to aeronautical engineering." 
-David Cockrell, The Aeronautical Journal, The Royal Aeronautical Society. 

"The last word in technical design manuals for recovery systems." 
-CanPara magazine, The Canadian Sport Parachuting Association.

"The Parachute Recovery Systems Design Manual by Theo Knacke is simply an incredible compilation of parachute design information." 
-ParaGliding, the magazine.

"An incredible compilation of parachute design information." 
-B.C. Sport Parachute Council Newsletter.

Theo Knacke's book has also been reviewed in Sport Parachutist magazine, the Netherlands, International Human Flight magazin, Austria, and Fallshirm Sport magazin, Austria.

This book was written for the Naval Weapons Center at China Lake by Mr. Knacke. The Navy contracted with Dan Poynter's Para Publishing to publish the book and make it available to both the military and civilian markets.

Theodor W. Knacke is the parachute engineer's engineer. He has spent a lifetime working in all phases of parachute research, development and application in both Germany and the United States. He is the authority on escape systems, landing deceleration canopies, aerial delivery clusters, personnel parachutes and spacecraft recovery systems. 

Mr. Knacke has B.S. degrees in civil and aeronautical engineering and an M.S. degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Stuttgart in 1939. After one year with Heinkel Aircraft, he joined the FIST Institute of the University of Stuttgart working primarily on the in-flight and landing deceleration of aircraft. This resulted in the creation of the ribbon canopy in 1938, of which he is a co-inventor. 

After coming to the United States in 1946, Mr. Knacke served as a research engineer at the USAF Parachute Branch at Wright Field; from 1952 to 1957 as Technical Director of the USAF 6511th Test Group (Parachutes) at El Centro, California; from 1957-1961 as vice-president of engineering at Space Recovery Systems in El Segundo, California; and from 1962 through 1976 as Chief of the Technical Staff (Recovery Systems) at the Ventura Division of the Northrop Corporation in Newbury Park, California. His responsibilities during this time covered all areas of missile, drone, and spacecraft recovery, including the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo earth landing systems, ordinance retardation, aircraft escape and deceleration and related projects. 

Since retiring from Northrop in 1977, Mr. Knacke has been a consulting engineer to the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and industry. He holds numerous patents, has published more than 30 papers and reports, and lectures extensively. He is known worldwide for his lectures sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and hosted by the University of Minnesota. 

Mr. Knacke was given the Achievement Award by the National Association for Remotely Piloted Vehicles in 1975. He is a Fellow of the AIAA and was awarded the AIAA Aerodynamic Decelerator and Balloon Technology Award in 1981. 

The photographs on the cover of this manual were specially selected to represent some of the major projects of the author. Mr. Knacke is in active retirement in Carmel, California.