Parachute choices

[Daveflier]

I purchased these at a local marine supply store.

[camillodinucci]

Hello, I am finishing the assembly of my RV-8 and I intend to perform acrobatics with it. It turns out that I am very tall 2.00 meters height and weight 100 kg (220 lbs), being tall limits the possibility of using a parachute on the back or even a seat because when gaining height in the seat my knees hit the instrument panel when commanding the rudder pedals.

Having explained all this, I decided to install a BRS parachute in the RV-8, analyze the efforts in the structure and carry out the installation of reinforcements, the calculation of the CG, etc.

This was the way I found to perform the acrobatics with a little more tranquility.

Below are the project photos.

[PhatRV]

Where are you going to install the BRS rocket? From the picture it seems like the rear baggage compartment. Is the rocket deployed to the side?

I had thought about this and for me the best location to store the BRS system is in the front storage compartment. The reason is the rocket deployment goes straight up and it is clear of any canopy object. The two front tie downs are conveniently right the at the upper engine bolt mount.

[bifft]

Originally Posted by camillodinucci

It turns out that I am very tall 2.00 meters height and weight 100 kg (220 lbs), being tall limits the possibility of using a parachute on the back or even a seat because when gaining height in the seat my knees hit the instrument panel when commanding the rudder pedals.

I'm only a little bit shorter than that (1.95m) and weigh around 100kg. I use a Butler seat pack and take out both the seat and back cushions when flying with the chute. This is with the "tall pilot option" more reclined seat back. I have about 5cm between the top of my headset and the canopy. When strapped in get no canopy contact even at -3g.

My knees do just barely hit the bottom of the panel when using the cushion instead of the chute, but it doesn't seem to be a problem in flight.

A ballistic chute would be a very big project, especially connecting the chute to the airframe strong enough to take the loads, would be worth borrowing a seat chute from someone and seeing if you can't make it work.