Synthesis of Optimal Control and Flight Testing of an Autonomous Circular Parachute

Development of guidance and control algorithms for autonomous solid circular parachutes is addressed. This effort is a part of the Affordable Guided Airdrop System that integrates a low-cost guidance and control system into fielded cargo air delivery systems. First, the underlying Affordable Guided Airdrop System concept, architecture, and components are described. Then a synthesis of a classical optimal control based on Pontrjagin's maximum principle is suggested. Then the development of a practical control algorithm is detailed. Simulation and flight-test results of the final Affordable Guided Airdrop System demonstration are also presented.