Unique Aspects of Accommodating Two Recent Parachute Tests at the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex

The National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex has been in operation since 1944 and was originally built to provide large and full-scale subsonic atmospheric wind tunnel testing capabilities for military and commercial aircraft and rotorcraft. The facility was closed by NASA in 2003 and was re-opened under the direction of the United States Air Force’s Arnold Engineering Development Center in 2006. The facility has a long history of conducting unusual types of tests, including experiments involving diesel trucks, wind turbines, and parachutes. This tradition has continued under the new management and operation arrangement. In particular, the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex has conducted two parachute tests since reactivation, which had both Earth-based and spacebased applications. Both of these tests were ground-breaking experiments and presented unique testing challenges to ensure successful completion. This paper will discuss in some detail the unique aspects and challenges associated with these test programs, highlighting the versatility of the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex. The success of these two programs has encouraged other potential customers to consider conducting additional parachute and decelerator tests at the facility.