A precision autonomous parachute delivery system

Abstract

Based on previous projects within the author's engineering group and his own experience as a sport parachute jumper, a robotic parachute system was designed and flight tests were conducted to evaluate flight performance in deep brakes, for eventual use in autonomous accuracy landing approaches for targets two meters in size or smaller. Numerous design improvements were evaluated and/or implemented, and additional improvements are suggested. Using the implemented system, flight tests gathered GPS data used to evaluate canopy glide ratio changes, stall characteristics, and in-flight rotational oscillations in deep brakes flight, a region of the flight envelope not used in previous work. Results show that the low-porosity canopy used exhibits adequate glide ratio changes for closed loop glide path control, but has poor stability in deep brakes flight. The investigation suggests that canopies with higher porosity fabrics would perform superbly.