Modular concepts will be applied to round parachutes and parafoil parachutes for the purpose of improving utility and reducing cost. Round parachute designs will be formed from the alteration of uniform fabric panels and limited sewing operations. Fabric panels of round parachutes will be connected with structurally suitable cordage ties to facilitate rapid fabrication and maintenance repairs. Parachute geometry, aerodynamic performance, and reefing capability for designs employing the modular concepts will be demonstrated. Parafoil parachute designs will be formed by lacing the canopy sections or cells together for allowing dissection and piece part recovery as desired. The lacing technique used to connect the parafoil cells will employ processes like those used for the mid-span reefing opening load management method. The canopy geometry and aerodynamic performance that results from application of the modular concept will be similar to traditional parafoils. Release of the parafoil modular sections will also be demonstrated during flight as a method for transitioning the gliding system to a vertical trajectory for landing.
Benefits: Modular construction of the round parachutes will provide a low cost design for cargo applications through reduction of materials usage, fabric cutting effort, and sewing operations. Modular construction of the round parachutes will allow for rapid panel replacement in maintenance or for panel additions to adjust the aerodynamic drag performance of the design. A unique method for application of connecting cordage ties will be demonstrated. Demonstration of the reefing capability for the modular parachute designs will provide prerequisite data for evaluating performance of the canopy at larger scale and in airdrop clusters. Modular construction of the parafoil canopy will provide tactical benefits for large parafoil systems by reduction of field recovery time. Modular construction of the parafoil canopy will provide a method for transitioning the gliding system to a ballistic trajectory which may be advantageous for precision landing.
Keywords: Modular Parachute Construction Uniform Gore Panels Cordage-to-Cordage / Textile Connectivity Canopy Lacing for Quick Connect / Disconnect Materials Usage Efficiency Mid-Span Reefing Canopy Reefing Airdrop Clusters
