"The Gator" - A Dual Deployment device for use with Defy Gravity's "Tether"
The "jaws" of the Gator are made from a piece of motor mount tube cut lengthwise.
Preflight assembly of the parachute enclosure is illustrated here.
Prior to deployment, the "jaws" a held closed by a shock line threaded through the Tether's
release pin. The Tether's halves are both secured to the upper bulkhead of the Gator by screws.
A Kevlar shock line connects the Gator/parachute assembly to the rest of the rocket.
Fully assembled for flight, the unit slides into the chute comparment along with the drogue.
At main deployment firing, the Tether releases the jaws of the Gator, and the assembly, with
rocket attached to the shock line, is suspended beneath the inflated main chute.
Prepared by Greg Lyzenga - 3/22/02