Visual and Physical Footprint Reduction of Parachutes on the Ground

CTW Development LLC (CTW), working with Infoscitex Corporation (ISI), proposes to carry out an Army Phase I SBIR project (A16-060): Visual and Physical Footprint Reduction of Parachutes on the Ground.The research will evaluate three specific approaches to solving the problem.Bringing the parachute quickly to the ground.Rapid degradation of the parachute fabric structure once on the ground.Making the parachute inherently less visible.These approaches will be fully evaluated and data developed that potentially allows the technology to be applied to the development of a functional parachute canopy. Focus will be on providing a high strength, low weight parachute canopy that will acquire a low visual and physical footprint once reaching the ground.CTW/ISI, are well suited to be successful in this Phase I project with over 100 years of direct experience in R & D in fiber forming polymers, new fiber/fabric development, textile surface modification and the development/commercialization of innovative textile materials. CTWs competitive advantages include the ability to support low volume/specialty applications, access to vertical manufacturing yarn extrusion through finished fabrication, in-house expertise in development/production/marketing of technical textiles, and dedication to delivering high value products and customer success.