When is the drogue parachute released during the deployment of the ACES II system?

The release of the drogue parachute in the deployment of the ACES II system occurs 0.15 seconds after the recovery parachute mortar is fired. This timing is critical because the drogue parachute is designed to stabilize the ejection seat as it descends and to ensure a safe and efficient deployment of the main parachute. By activating the drogue parachute shortly after the mortar fires, the system can reduce the speed of the seat and provide a drag force that helps orient it properly for the subsequent deployment of the recovery parachute.

The coordinated timing of these components is essential for the safety of the aircrew. If the drogue parachute were to deploy too early or too late, it could potentially compromise the effectiveness of the ejection sequence, impacting the aircrew’s chances of a safe landing. In this context, the other options present different timings that do not align with the established operational sequence of the ACES II system.