ASTM F3322-24a PDF

Full title and description

St ASTM F3322-24a — Standard Specification for Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) Parachutes. This specification defines minimum design, fabrication, installation and test requirements for deployable parachute recovery systems (PRS) intended to reduce impact energy if a small unmanned aircraft (sUA / sUAS) cannot sustain safe flight, and to support regulatory approvals to fly over people when used as part of a compliance package.

Abstract

F3322-24a is the 24a revision of the ASTM F3322 family of standards focused on parachute recovery systems for small unmanned aircraft. It sets performance and test requirements for installable, deployable PRS units and defines the test matrix and reporting expectations for third-party testing and engineering substantiation used to obtain civil aviation authority approvals for flight over people. The 24a revision introduced additional test coverage compared with earlier editions.

General information

• Status: Active (current ASTM F3322-24A revision).
• Publication date: Last updated / active as of February 7, 2025 (F3322-24A).
• Publisher: ASTM International (Committee F38, Subcommittee F38.01).
• ICS / categories: Textiles / parachutes and related equipment — ICS 49.025.60.
• Edition / version: F3322-24A (often styled F3322-24a in industry communications).
• Number of pages: 19 pages (document length reported on ASTM product listing for F3322-24A).

Scope

This specification applies to the design, construction, installation and testing of deployable parachute recovery systems intended for small unmanned aircraft (sUA / sUAS). It establishes minimum functional and test requirements for PRS that are designed to be integrated with the aircraft or its structure and to reduce impact energy in the event of loss of normal flight. Compliance with the standard is intended to support applicants seeking permission from civil aviation authorities to operate sUAS over people, and the standard is written to be used in conjunction with other ASTM F38 standards where referenced.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and classification of PRS intended for sUAS applications.
• Design and manufacture requirements for parachute materials, harnessing, deployment mechanisms and installation into the sUAS.
• Comprehensive test matrix for third‑party testing (including deployment, descent rate, structural loads, and system reliability tests); the 24a revision increased the count and coverage of tests compared with prior editions.
• Requirements for test reporting, engineering analysis, and public availability of third‑party test reports when used as part of regulatory compliance packages.
• Guidance for using F3322 test results as a means of compliance for civil aviation authority approvals (flight over people, TSOs, waivers, permits).
• Units and measurement conventions and limitations/notes regarding safety responsibilities of users.

Typical use and users

Primary users include PRS manufacturers, sUAS integrators and OEMs, third‑party test laboratories, and regulators or applicants preparing compliance packages for civil aviation authorities. Operators and fleet safety engineers use the standard to specify, evaluate and document parachute recovery systems when pursuing permissions to operate over people or in other higher‑risk operational contexts. Third‑party testing organizations and certification bodies use the test matrix and reporting requirements to perform validated assessments.

Related standards

ASTM F3322 is maintained within the F38 committee work program and is intended to be read alongside earlier F3322 editions (for historical test data) and other F38 standards addressing sUAS safety and related flight‑over‑people guidance. Prior published editions referenced in industry materials include F3322-18 and F3322-22; organizations often cite completed tests to earlier editions as part of a continuity trace when demonstrating compliance to F3322-24/24A.

Keywords

sUAS, sUA, parachute, parachute recovery system, PRS, deployable parachute, drone safety, flight over people, ASTM F3322, F38, third‑party testing, compliance, certification.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F3322-24A (often written F3322-24a) is the ASTM International specification that sets design, manufacture and test requirements for deployable parachute recovery systems intended for small unmanned aircraft (sUAS). It defines the performance and reporting expectations used to demonstrate PRS capability and reliability.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers PRS design and construction, installation considerations, a detailed third‑party test matrix (deployment, descent, structural, and reliability tests), and requirements for test reporting and engineering substantiation used in regulatory compliance packages for flight over people.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: PRS manufacturers, sUAS OEMs and integrators, third‑party testing labs, regulatory applicants and safety engineers preparing evidence for civil aviation authorities are the primary users. Emergency‑services integrators and operators seeking operations over people also rely on the standard.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: F3322-24A is published as the active revision (the “24A” revision) and is listed as active on the ASTM product listing; it supersedes prior editions and includes revised/expanded test coverage. The ASTM listing shows the F3322-24A entry as active as of February 7, 2025.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — F3322 is part of the ASTM F38 committee’s body of standards addressing small unmanned aircraft system safety. Multiple editions (for example F3322-18, F3322-22, F3322-24 and F3322-24A) exist and are used together for historical test continuity and cross‑references.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: sUAS, parachute recovery system, PRS, deployable parachute, flight over people, third‑party testing, ASTM F3322, F38.