Cargo Parachute Release Can Handle the Load
The US Army “M-2” Cargo Parachute Release is used to deliver
Army cargo weighing up to 25,000 lbs. from an aircraft to the ground.
To be sure the M-2 can successfully carry a load of this weight, it
is proof load tested at LTI.
Proof load testing is used to verify the greatest load that can be applied
to an item without straining the piece beyond the elastic limit. Testing
is performed to a much heavier weight than the intended use requires,
to assure it is more than adequate to support the planned loads. If
the target proof load is reached successfully with no distress, the
test piece is considered suitable for its intended application.
The photo shows the “M-2” Cargo Parachute Release mounted
for testing in LTI’s 135,000 lb. tensile machine. The fully assembled
system weighs 110 lbs. and is proof load tested to 90,000 lbs.
When in use, cargo weighing up to 25,000 lbs. is secured to an aluminum
platform that is attached to the M-2. The M-2 serves as an interface
between this platform and up to eight parachutes which deploy after
the load leaves the aircraft. When the loaded platform reaches the ground
and the parachutes tilt to 22º off of vertical, the M-2 releases
the parachutes to prevent wind from dragging the platform along the
ground.
The M-2 is manufactured by United Terex, Inc., a defense contractor
located in East Norriton, PA. United Terex has been a customer since
the founding of our company. LTI also performs specialized functional
and proof load testing of many other US Army cargo delivery systems
manufactured by United Terex.