Parachute Shape and Airflow Measurement System

To address the Army need for a system that can simultaneously measure a parachutes shape and the airflow velocity around an entire parachute system during an airdrop, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposed and developed in Phase I a new Parachute Shape and Airflow Measurement (PSAM) system. It is based on full-field imaging and optical wavefront measurement techniques realized in a single, compact device. Advanced image processing techniques allow extraction of 3D canopy coordinates with accuracy up to 2 cm for canopy and relative airflow velocity up to 0.05 m/s. Based on successful modeling and testing of the Phase I PSAM system on an MC-4 canopy model, POC proposes in Phase II to design and develop a system prototype applicable for real-world airdrops and characterize its performance through testing and demonstration. The PSAM system will supply true data for verification and validation of models used for design and development of airdrop systems. Phase II efforts will focus on optimizing the PSAM design, software improvement for more accurate data analysis, and fabricating and testing a prototype reaching technology readiness level (TRL)-6. POC will also identify a Phase III path ahead for military qualification.