Precision Aerial Delivery Systems Research Articles

Современные парашютные системы высокоточной доставки грузов

The development of parachute precision aerial delivery systems (PADS) has been going on since 1940s. Relying on the analysis of the aerodynamic characteristics of various gliding parachutes, the paper specifies the aerodynamic configuration for modern parachute precision aerial delivery systems, determines the types and considers the possibility of unifying the design of the main parachutes of such systems. The paper describes the history of gliding parachutes, summarizes the experience of developing such parachutes, and considers the evolution of maneuverable and steerable parachutes. In our study, we introduce and substantiate a new for the Russian practice classification of parachutes with aerodynamic quality. First, aerodynamic characteristics of various gliding parachutes were generalized and the main requirements for parachute PADS were indicated. Then, modern combined parachute PADS of Airbone Systems, USA, developed on the basis of double-surface parafoil parachutes were analyzed and classified with the emphasis on the types of modern systems. Since unification is most responsible for reducing the cost of industrial production of any technical systems, we considered the issues of possible unification of parachute PADS. Findings of research show that the unification of modern combined PADS depends on the common elements of control systems. It is worth noting that unification for systems of the ultralight class in terms of main parachutes is possible when using individual parachutes. For parachute systems of the middle and heavy class, intraspecific unification is possible through the use of single parachute modules.

Sensor Fusion Algorithm Using a Model-Based Kalman Filter for the Position and Attitude Estimation of Precision Aerial Delivery Systems.

In this research, we focus on the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for the delivery of payloads and navigation towards safe-landing zones, specifically on the modeling of flight dynamics of lightweight vehicles denoted Precision Aerial Delivery Systems (PADSs). While a wide range of nonlinear models has been developed and tested on high-end applications considering various degrees of freedom (DOF), linear models suitable for low-cost applications have not been explored thoroughly. In this study, we propose and compare two linear models, a linearized version of a 6-DOF model specifically developed for micro-lightweight systems, and an alternative model based on a double integrator. Both linear models are implemented with a sensor fusion algorithm using a Kalman filter to estimate the position and attitude of PADSs, and their performance is compared to a nonlinear 6-DOF model. Simulation results demonstrate that both models, when incorporated into a Kalman filter estimation scheme, can determine the flight dynamics of PADSs during smooth flights. While it is validated that the double integrator model can adequately operate under the proposed estimation scheme for up to small acceleration changes, the linearized model proves to be capable of reproducing the nonlinear model characteristics even during moderately steep turns.

A novel algorithm for conceptual design and optimisation of an affordable gliding airdrop platform using TCOMOGA

ABSTRACTUnlike conventional ballistic parachutes, gliding parachutes have been extensively used as guided precision aerial delivery system (GPADS) platforms in recent years. The reasoning may be found in gliding and manoeuvering capabilities, which make this kind of ram-air parachutes superior for precision aerial delivery application. In contrast, wing-shaped configuration along with more design variables create a cumbersome design procedure for this type of parachute. Especially, when an affordable configuration is demanded, the design procedure will be a more important problem. In this respect, an innovative integrated design framework is proposed in which significant design aspects are considered so that the gliding parachute configuration can be optimiseoptimised through a bi-objective optimisation problem to find optimum cost for achievable gliding ranges. To do so, the configuration is defined with minimum required parameters and design space is constrained by performance and stability as significant design requirements to guarantee the feasibility of the solutions in practice. The objective functions are defined in terms of gliding characteristics and amount of materials for fabrication which are representative for maximum reachable stand-off distance and unit cost, respectively. As an effective numerical optimisation method, a niched multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) is used to generate a pareto-optimal set for a specific payload mass whereas constraints are handled through a tournament selection process. Based on results, the provided pareto front can aid the designers in decision-making and trade-off between demanded objectives for a payload weight. The underlying design problem is solved using an all-at-once (AAO) approach and the design loop converges to favourable results in a reasonable time. Finally, as a comparative study, an optimiseoptimised affordable cargo parachute is proposed for the GPADS application in which the material cost is reduced by at least 25% with respect to an available low-cost gliding parachute with the same glide ratio.

A study of the active controlled useful load parachute systems in terms of subsystem design, test and methods

Abstract Taking into account the geograhy and the geostrategic location of Turkey, it has become a necessity to perform tasks which are time sensitive such as natural disaster, search and rescue and airlift of ammunition and supplies to operation zones by using unmanned parachute systems. Turkish Air Force (TURAF) Headquarters, in response to this necessity, has claimed its place in the race of possesing new generation unmanned systems and devices which are suitable for developing technology and other improvements of the era in the fields of aviation and space sciences. Within this scope, TURAF closely follows the active controlled useful load-carrying system technology which can be operated in two different options, remote controlled and autonomous, and aims to possess this technology by producing it using local means and sources. Across the World, the system actively used for this purpose are known as Guided Precision Aerial Delivery Systems (GPADS). GPADS technology, which has not been used in Turkey yet, has been studied in detail with this thesis. In this context, a description of the concepts regarding the system TURAF needs has been made, and the technical specifications that the system on draft requires have been put forward. At the end of the study, it has been concluded that the system can be produced domestically with the cooparation of institutions and organizations in Turkey, and that the ram air canopy which produces the best flight performance results should be used during the design phase provided that the compulsory military standarts are met.