Research of the Photo-Optical Method Application for Measuring Selected Data on the Movement of a Parachute for Type M-282  
[PERSON]  
Faculty of Aeronautics, Technical University of Kosice, Rampova 7, 041 21 Kosice, Slovakia; robert.rozenberg@tuke. fixed points: Building, Antenna, Span, and Earth), the risk of injury due to the excessive vertical speed is also high [6]. Furthermore, this issue is key [7; 8] when pilots perform emergency jumps from a low altitude and desire to slow to an acceptable vertical speed. The main aim of the work is to present the results of the research on the photo-optical method for measuring selected data on the movement of a parachute for the type M-282 Parachute, and its usability in testing, collecting, and investigating motion data in parachuting. The M-282 parachute is designed to be used as the main canopy for sport jumps. Basic parameters of the M-282 parachute are as follows [9]:  
* Canopy area: 26.9 m\({}^{2}\). * Number of cells: 7. * Descent rate at the weight of 100 kg depending on the braking mode: 2.5-5 m\(\cdot\)s\({}^{-2}\). * Gliding ratio: 2.5-3:1. * Forward speed at the weight of 100 kg: max. 12 m\(\cdot\)s\({}^{-1}\). The research question is as follows: Is the photo-optical measurement method suitable for measuring the vertical speed of the M-282 parachute with the potential for general use for other types of parachutes and digital cameras for motion recording? The working hypothesis is as follows: Test parachute jumps confirm that the photo-optical method is a suitable method for measuring the vertical speed of a parachute. The results of the experiment verified the answer to the research question and confirmed the suitability of the photo-optical method for the M-282 parachute type. The differences in the results with the compared technical devices will be statistically insignificant. The novelty of our work lies in the application of the photo-optical method for the purpose of measuring the vertical speed of a parachute. This was fulfilled by the development and verification of measurement procedures and measurement schematic diagrams. The principal conclusions from the research undertaken for the topic are as follows:  
* The photo-optical method in the application area of parachuting, for measuring the rate of descent of the M-282 parachute, within the investigation of movement data;
* Verification of the use of the photo-optical method in the application area of parachuting, within the research of the issue, by performing twelve test jumps with the M-282 parachute;
* Integration of knowledge from the investigation of a parachutist's accident using the photo-optical method, with knowledge from research parachute jumps, within the research of the topic, for the formulation of the following research;
* The results of the M-282 parachute research of the topic showed the potential use of the photo-optical method for the design of recommendations for testing, investigative applications, individualized training programs, injury prevention aspects, and reduction of the risk of injury in parachuting. The process of identifying the vertical speed of the parachute by the photo-optical method was correct. It is a suitable method of evaluating M-282 parachute motion data in parachuting. The remaining sections are arranged as follows. Section 2 describes the measurement of the parachute vertical speed by the photo-optical method. Section 3 states the main results of the M-282 test jumps. Section 4 provides a discussion of the verified theoretical results. Section 5 concludes the M-282 preliminary research focused on the photo-optical method for collecting and investigating motion data in parachuting. Flight efficiency and personnel parachute limits are measured and verified in compliance with the technical standards order number TSO-C23D and due regulation of SAE AS 8015B \"Minimum Performance Standard for Parachute Assemblies and Components\" [10] (or TSO-C23e and PIA TS 135 [11]).