Development of the Pioneer GS-750-1 parafoil

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Pioneer Aerospace Corporation is currently developing a precision airdrop system capable of delivering light payloads (200-1500 lb.) using high glide parafoils and a GPS based guidance, navigation and control system. The 200 to 750 lb. payload requirement is being addressed using existing parafoils. For 750 to 1500 lb. payloads, a state-ofthe-art 750 ft2 parafoil is being developed by utilizing Pioneer's extensive data base which includes wind tunnel testing, structural analysis, computer modeling, and flight testing data. This high performance wing is capable of producing system lift to drag ratios well beyond that of any previous parafoil design as well as having good deployment characteristics due to Pioneer's mid-span reefing concept. This paper will discuss the design, testing, and initial operational results of Pioneer's GS-750-1 paraf oil. INTRODUCTION High glide delivery systems provide many advantages over conventional parachute delivery systems. Granted both systems have specific advantages depending on mission needs, the high glide system provides many special advantages over the conventional systems. Since the deployment of the high glide parafoil troop chute in the US military inventory, mission planners have been envisioning high glide delivery systems for troop supplies. The current high glide delivery system uses low performance parafoils with an NDB (non-directional beacon) guidance system to deliver payloads of up to 1000 pounds. The combination of low performance canopies and the inaccuracies associate$ with NDB guidance provide for a system with significant short comings. With the ever increasing use of GPS (Global Positioning System) technology Pioneer Aerospace Corporation teamed up with SSE Inc. to develop a state of the art autonomously guided high glide delivery system which will support our troops well into the 21 century. BACKGROUND AND DESIGN In the mid 1980's, Pioneer was chosen by NASA to develop a spacecraft recovery system for high value payloads such as propulsion/avionics modules and crew recovery vehicles. The first phase of this contract required Pioneer to select a recovery system to softly land payloads on dry land. Because most of the US space launch facilities are located at Cape Canaveral, Florida the launch vehicle trajectories take the vehicles over the Atlantic Ocean. Contract requirements stated that launch components were to be recovered on dry land to facilitate easy refurbishment. Through an extensive study, Pioneer selected the high glide parafoil as the most efficient recovery system. Phase two of this study entailed extensive large scale wind tunnel and air drop testing. During this phase of testing, Pioneer accumulated an extensive data base of high glide system performance. Using the knowledge obtained from this data base Pioneer developed the GS series of parafoils. 1 Copyright