| Paresev | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Paresev 1 in landing, 1962 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Flexible-wing research glider |
| Manufacturer | NASA |
| History | |
| First flight | 1962 |
The NASA Paresev ("Paraglider Research Vehicle") was an experimental NASA glider aircraft based upon the kite-parachute studies by NASA engineer Francis Rogallo.
Between 1961 and 1965 the ability of the Rogallo wing (also called "Parawing") to descend a payload such as the Gemini space capsule safely from high altitude to ground was studied.[1][2] The Paresev was a test vehicle used to learn how to control this parachute-wing for a safe landing at a normal airfield.
Publicity on the Paresev and the Ryan XV-8 "Flying Jeep" aircraft inspired hobbyists to adapt Rogallo's flexible wing airfoil onto elementary hang gliders leading to the most successful hang glider configuration in history.
- ^ Aviation News article Archived September 27, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Re-entry glider Archived 2010-01-16 at the Wayback Machine