Drogue

A drogue is a sea anchor, a device deployed in water to create drag, often used to slow a vessel's movement, stabilize it, or orient it into the wind or current. Typically, it's a cone-shaped or parachute-like device made of fabric or a rigid structure, attached to a line and towed behind a boat or aircraft. It can serve various purposes, from aiding in sea rescue operations to providing stability during rough weather conditions. Their effectiveness relies on the increased surface area presented to the water or air, thereby resisting motion. They can vary in design and size depending on the application.

Drogue meaning with examples

• The sailboat, caught in a violent storm, deployed a drogue to reduce its speed and maintain its heading relative to the waves. The drogue, trailing behind, kept the boat pointed into the wind, minimizing the risk of capsizing and allowing the crew to better manage the conditions and their supplies. The strategic placement of this gear allowed for a safer passage through treacherous waters.
• During a high-speed water rescue operation, the Coast Guard used a drogue attached to their rescue boat. This allowed them to stabilize the vessel, provide increased safety for the team and increase accuracy whilst approaching the scene of a sinking ship. The drogue slowed the craft enough to safely retrieve survivors from the turbulent waters and transport them to the harbor.
• A research aircraft used a drogue system to study the behavior of the atmosphere in high-altitude conditions. They needed to slow the vehicle so it could perform the sampling experiments safely. The parachute-like design helped to maintain a controlled descent during this phase, providing researchers with reliable data on the environment. The system facilitated safe data gathering.
• When a parachutist exits a plane, a drogue parachute might be deployed first to stabilize the person before they open their primary parachute. It helps orient the jumper head down. This is especially useful at high altitudes and after free falls. The small drogue allows the person to control their decent before a safe opening of the main parachute.