Ballistic Recovery System

Long EZ N3R carries a model BRS5C 1200 parachute recovery system which is tied
to the airframe to allow safe recovery of the pilot, aircraft and instruments in an
emergency. The solid rocket, which deploys the chute, is activated by pulling a handle
located above the pilots right shoulder. When activated, the rocket accelerates to 150
feet per second within the first 0.1 seconds ripping through a "blow out patch". In the
follow on 0.8 seconds, the rocket extracts the parachute and stretches tight its lines
and the airframe harness attachments. FAA certified tests have shown that full
parachute inflation occurs as low as 300 feet above the ground. Actual "saves" have
occurred below 150 feet! Once under canopy, the rate of descent will be around 15
feet per second. Once stabilized, the aircraft will descend in a flight level attitude with
the nose slightly lower than the tail. On reaching the ground, the nose wheel will
generally touch down first. Fortunately, we have never needed this safety system.
But as of June 1999, 127 lives were spared by actual use in other aircraft.
Installation
We have received many questions from homebuilders asking how we installed the
BRS-4 in the Long EZ. First, a mount was designed that allowed the canister holding
the chute to bolted to the center-section spar. Just above the canister, we installed a
very thin fiberglass "blow-out" patch consisting of 3 oz/yd fiberglass to allow the
chute to exit. The chute is tied to the airframe with a three-point Kevlar harness. One
strap ties around the fiberglass gear bow. The other strap runs through the strake and
around front of the pilot seat-back. The strap lengths are such that the aircraft would
come down in a level attitude.