Designed late 61 to study its flight characteristics and possible future use for recovery of spacecraft and rocket boosters. Flight program provided data on flare and landing capabilities, stability and controllability, and pilot training. 7 pilots, including astronauts Neal Armstrong and Gus Grissom, flew vehicle without injury. Parasev is first parawing concept to be towed aloft and released like a conventional glider. Initially, towed by a station wagon; later, PT-17 and other light aircraft used in flights to 5000 ft. 341 flights completed. Parasev controlled by tilting wing up and down and from side to side. Certified by FAA as experimental aircraft. Only ground tows reported with C model and inflatable wing.