Towed and sting-supported cones were tested in the wake of various payloads at supersonic speeds to determine their drag and stability characteristics. The investigation extended over a Mach number range from 1.57 to 4.65 and included such variables as Reynolds number, cone angle, ratio of cone base diameter to payload base diameter, and trailing distance. Cones towed in the wake of a symmetrical payload at supersonic speeds, in general, had good drag and stability characteristics if towed in the supersonic flow region. A cone with an included angle between 80 and 90 degrees gave 2 maximum drag while still maintaining stability. In order to minimize wake effects, the ratio of cone base diameter to payload base diameter should be at least one and preferably around three. A trailing distance of three times the payload base diameter, in most cases, is of sufficient length to avoid low drag and instability of the decelerator. (Author).