Flight Tests of the Air-Launched Balloon System (ALBS) Prototype Model

: The requirements for the Air Launched Balloon System (ALBS) development program and the highlights of that program, prior to the flight test phase, are presented. The rationale behind an ambitious ALBS parachute subsystem test flight series, using C-130 aircraft, at the National Parachute Test Range is given, along with the initial system configuration chosen for that series. The test-demonstrated inadequacy of the 32-ft drogue chute is documented. The successes achieved subsequently in flights with a 28-ft drogue chute (in combination with the 42-ft main chute) are described, both for tests employing a dummy balloon and for later tests in which a real balloon was used. Attempts at partial balloon inflation at the NPTR are discussed. The unsolved parachute coning problem is also described, along with tests aimed at its solution. Planning and preflight preparations for the January 1978 balloon drop test over the White Sands Missile Range are covered in considerable detail. The abortive launch of that flight is related and an analysis of the reasons for the flight failure is presented. Five (5) appendices are included with supporting calculations.