Method for Steerable Clustered Round Parachutes

The U.S. Army is currently pursuing a low-cost parachute system for precision airdrop of cargo. Low-cost clusters of round parachutes are being considered as a potential candidate for such a system. A method is presented that provides a glide and steering capability for a cluster of round parachutes for precision airdrop. The method involves partially connecting two round parachutes that have openings and pulldown skirts on their canopies. Glide and steering are achieved by maneuvering the pulldown skirt. This method was developed and tested first using a cluster of two one-quarter-scale G12 cargo parachutes. System glide and turn were demonstrated on a cluster of two full-scale G12 parachutes. Currently, the method is being applied to a cluster of two G11 parachutes for precision airdrop of a 4,540 kg load. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]