drogue parachute

American  

[drohg par-uh-shoot] / ˈdroʊg ˌpær ə ʃut /

noun

1. Also called drogue.  a small parachute that deploys first in order to pull a larger parachute from its pack.

2. Also called drag parachute.  a parachute used to slow a vehicle or aircraft.

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Etymology

Origin of drogue parachute

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

But once at a certain altitude, the Electron will deploy a drogue parachute and a main parachute to slow its fall.

From The Verge • Nov. 19, 2020

If the Electron makes it through, then it eventually deploys a drogue parachute and a large main parachute.

From The Verge • Nov. 5, 2020

He was supposed to be stabilized during his fall by a small drogue parachute, but on one training jump in 1959 it did not open because the cord got tangled around his neck.

From New York Times • Mar. 15, 2010

Mr. Baumgartner hopes to remain stable and conscious throughout his longer fall without relying on a drogue parachute.

From New York Times • Mar. 15, 2010

Automatically the small, tough drogue parachute opened at 21,000 ft., checking the capsule's falling speed.

From Time Magazine Archive