In order to study the impact of the vehicle on flow field and drag performance of the cross parachute,the PISO algorithm is used to conduct numerical calculations of the unsteady flow around the cross parachute-vehicle system based on Realizable k-ε model,and detailed flow field calculation results are obtained. Flow field distribution rules of the cross parachute-vehicle system and changes in aerodynamic characteristics of the parachute and the vehicle under different trailing distances are studied. The results show that when towing ratio λ is no larger than 2,the vehicle and the parachute form a closed flow,and drag loss of the parachute is serious. When towing ratio λ is larger than 2,the pressure in the wake area of the underwater vehicle recovers,a stable positive pressure area is formed at the bottom of the parachute,and the flow form gradually changes from closed to open. When trailing distance λ changes from the minimum to the maximum, the pressure difference Δp increases by 12%. Resistance of the parachute is restored and resistance fluctuation is reduced. When towing ratio λ is 4,resistance of the parachute and the vehicle increases by 1.8% and 25% respectively. Velocity and pressure contours show that the flow field and pressure distribution of the cross parachute-vehicle system are more symmetrical and the aerodynamic characteristics are in the best state.