The drag and flapping characteristics of aerodynamic decelerators in a low speed flow are considered. Streamers, parafoils and loops were investigated. These systems had combinations of areas 0.025 m2, 0.05 m 2, 0.075 m2 and aspect-ratios 3.3, 10, 20, 30. A total of 12 models for each arrangement was tested. An averaged time series was obtained for each test using a three-component force balance to give drag coefficient data as a function of wind speed. Parametric studies were performed to investigate the effects of aspect-ratio, planform area, wind speed and material types. Trend line equations are derived for curves of drag coefficient versus aspect-ratio. The results show that the increasing wind speed decreases the drag in all cases. The effect of aspect-ratio is stronger for the streamers. The loops and streamers have relatively similar flapping characteristics. The parafoils have a drag coefficient of the order 4 and 7 larger than the loops and streamers, making them the most efficient decelerators. The flapping characteristics of the parafoils are similar to the loops.