Size canopies using mass, velocity, and atmosphere. Review diameter, loading, descent time, and landing energy. Tune safety margins for dependable recovery and smarter decisions.
Large screens show three columns, medium screens show two, and phones show one.
| Scenario | Mass | Target rate | Canopy type | Area needed | Diameter | Descent time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single equipment recovery | 75 kg | 5.00 m/s | Hemispherical | 37.96 m² | 6.95 m | 120.00 s from 600 m |
| Example assumptions: Cd 1.50, safety factor 1.15, vent 3.0%, and line ratio 1.20. | ||||||
1) Design weight with safety factor
Wd = m × g × SF
2) Net projected area from drag equilibrium
A_net = (2 × Wd) / (ρ × Cd × V²)
3) Gross projected area with vent correction
A_gross = A_net / (1 - vent_ratio)
4) Equivalent circular diameter
D = √(4 × A_per / π)
5) Recommended line length
L = D × (line length ratio)
Variable meanings:
m is payload mass, g is gravity, SF is safety factor, ρ is air density, Cd is drag coefficient, and V is target descent rate.
It estimates total canopy area, per-canopy area, equivalent diameter, line length, descent time, drag balance, landing energy, and loading for a selected design point.
Drag coefficient directly affects required area. Lower Cd values need larger canopies. Use measured or validated values whenever possible, especially for unusual shapes or porous materials.
A safety factor above 1.00 adds margin for uncertainty. Many conceptual studies start around 1.10 to 1.30, but actual requirements depend on testing, standards, and mission risk.
The calculator finds total required area first, then divides it across the number of parachutes. More canopies reduce the area and diameter needed per canopy.
Deployment altitude lets the page estimate descent time from opening to landing. It does not model inflation delay, reefing phases, or transient opening loads.
A larger vent reduces effective drag area, so the gross canopy area must increase to keep the same target descent rate. Vents can improve stability in some designs.
No. It is a design choice. The ratio helps create a practical starting estimate for suspension lines, but detailed structural design should confirm the final geometry.
No. This is a preliminary engineering sizing tool. Final work should include material properties, opening shock analysis, porosity, stability testing, structural margins, and compliance checks.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.