L-3 Coleman Supports Another Successful Aircraft Extraction

• Of its Jumbo Drop Test Vehicle for Nasa's Ares I First Stage Program

(Orlando, Fla., November 3, 2009) -- L-3 Coleman Aerospace recently supported United Space Alliance (USA), Alliant Techsystems (ATK), and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center with a successful extraction and airdrop of the Jumbo Drop Test Vehicle (JDTV).

The Coleman-designed JDTV is a variable-weight vehicle used to test the USA/ATK recovery parachutes of the Ares solid rocket first stage motor which will be refurbished to save money and protect the environment. The JDTV is a large "dart" that houses the test parachutes and data systems. The JDTV weight can be adjusted from 40,000 - 90,000 pounds to meet specific test objectives.


The JDTV, attached to a pallet, was extracted from a C-17 aircraft, then released from the pallet and allowed to accelerate prior to deploying the test parachute. This was the third in a series of six planned JDTV tests to support the development and verification of NASA's Ares I First Stage recovery parachutes. The airdrop occurred over the Army's Yuma Proving Grounds (Arizona) with support from the U.S. Air Force.

"L-3 Coleman Aerospace, USA, and ATK form a great team in support of NASA future space capabilities," said Maj Gen (USAF ret) Chris Anzalone, L-3 Coleman's president. "Our test support will ensure future ARES parachutes will be safe and effective."

Source : L-3 Communications Holdings Inc. (NYSE: LLL)