EFT-1 Landing and Recovery Operations

Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT) Landing and Recovery Operations

The Prototype Development Laboratory (PDL) supported underway recovery operations in preparation for Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1).  The PDL developed the Boilerplate Test Article (BTA) Handling Fixture (BHF) and BHF Bumper.  PDL personnel supported testing in the turbulent waters of the Pacific Ocean about a hundred miles off the coast of San Diego.  The PDL also developed other hardware and training aids, including a fairlead and a device known as Line Load Attenuation Mechanism Assembly (LLAMA).  The LLAMA device may be used to assist seamen in controlling the Orion capsule as it is being retrieved in the very dynamic environment inside the well deck of the recovery ship.  The device will improve personnel safety by limiting the loads in the lines.

  LLAMA                                        BTA