Airbeam Reinforced Parafoil

Military and civilian users need deployable wings with high glide ratios. Applications include high offset airdrop, covert personnel insertion and sport flying. Ram air wings (parafoils) have relatively low glide ratios, generally less than 4:1. Paragliders have better glide performance at very low speeds, but are not suitable for deployment from free fall. Parafoil performance is limited principally by (1) high parasitic drag from suspension lines, (2) high profile drag from leading edge inlets, and (3) high induced drag due to low aspect ratio. All three of these drag sources can be reduced by the introduction of internal structure to the wing. Technology now exists for high strength, light weight, packable/deployable structures that are compatible with this requirement. High pressure, seamless airbeams have been developed for transportable shelters. These are manufactured by a braiding process that allows curved shapes to be made conveniently. This research has the objective of demonstrating the feasibility of using airbeam technology to dramatically improve the glide performance of ram air wings. Airbeam spars will be added to an existing parafoil and tested for improved L/D. BENEFITS: A high glide wing that is deployable form free fall and has a glide ratio of 8:1 or better is useful for a variety of military applications, principally associated with delivery of personnel or equipment. There is also a known, demonstrated market for easily portable, foot launched gliders for sport flying. The proposed wing has a unique combination of performance and convenience that will appeal to this market.