tail parachute

tail parachute

A parachute(s) fitted normally on combat or experimental aircraft and meant to reduce the landing run and/or the float after rounding off. A tail chute is located in the rear portion of the aircraft and provides a steady deceleration of 0.25 to 0.35 g. The tail chutes, however, become relatively inefficient at slower forward speeds. These are jettisoned either at the end of a landing run or when the aircraft has slowed down sufficiently. In some installations, they are automatically retracted at low speeds. Also known as a brake parachute or a drag chute.