Precision Airdrop System SPADES
Abstract
In the Netherlands a cargo precision delivery system for 100 - 1000 kg payloads utilizing ram air parachutes for different weight classes has been developed by Dutch Space in partnership with the National Aerospace Laboratory NLR. The system is based on Global Positioning System (GPS) position information to fly autonomously towards a delivery point. In the past the Smart Parafoil Autonomous Delivery System (SPADES) has already shown the delivery of payloads at programmed ground-locations with an accuracy of much better than 100 m (CEP) with the G9-Galaxy (160 kg), the tandem-parafoil PBO (250kg) of Aerazur, as well as the Firefly parafoil (500- 1000 kg) of Para-Flite. Presently the design of an operational version is in full progress to handle payloads from 100-1000 kg with one control unit. This version shall be available by end of 2006. In order to cover this payload-range basically three types of parafoils shall be required: 100-250 kg, 250-500 kg and 500-1000 kg. For the execution of a mission the on-board processor does not require any information on the wind profile. Rough wind information, as is used for para jumps, is necessary for the mission planning to estimate the air-volume in which the CARP (release point) can be selected. Using parafoils with a glide ratio of 3 in wind-still conditions, stand-off ranges in the order of 10-20 km can be obtained in case the system is dropped at 25,000 ft altitude. Adding the advantage of wind-drift the effective stand-off could increase up to 50 km or even more. In this contribution to the AVT-133 conference the SPADES system is an example of a precision airdrop system that autonomously delivers payloads with high accuracy at a desired ground location.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA476458
Entities
People
- Henk W. Jentink
- J. W. Wegereef