Hi, I have a simple question. I just saw a small clip of an F-22 Raptor performing a stall maneuver on the history channel. What was interesting about it was that there appeared to be something attached to the F-22. It was between the tail fins, it was red, and made of a series of connected bars that made a triangle shape with a small box shape at the apex. Does anybody know what this is?

Things it could be...[ul][li]A spin recovery parachute - ...just in case it gets out of control.[li]A sensor pack - package of items to measure forces and windflow.[/ul]I think it's the parachute, myself. Especially if they were doing stall tests. :) -Greg

Undoubtedly a recovery chute.John/AFG

Thank you for clearing that up, guys..!

yes, sensor packs are usually mounted in a noseprobe and on the wingtips.

Yes, I asked myself the same question when I first saw this picture:http://www.lmaeronautics.com/gallery/produ...ages/f22_19.jpgProbably you are right and it is a parachute for recovery purposes.

Yes, I can confirm that this is a spin recovery chute.

Hi all,Does anyone know if these chutes have ever needed to be used during testing of the F-22 or other fighters? If so then how hard does the aircraft stike the ground and what damage is sustained?I remember reading a story a little while back about a homebuilt aircraft which used one and survived with very little damage. Seems like a really good idea if you ask me!Iain Spowart,Scotland.Webmaster and photographer,Scottish Rockettes Dance Squad Official Web-Sitehttp://avsim.iainspowart.com/rockettes.gifhttp://www.scottishrockettes.comScottish Claymores Cheerleaders Fan Sitehttp://www.claymorescheerleaders.comMotorsport Photographyhttp://www.iainspowart.com

Hi Ian,I believe that the purpose of the chute is not to sustain the full weight of the aircraft, but to stabilize it if caught in a spin, therefore giving the pilot back control of his aircraft. Such is what I -believe- though.