Powered Parafoil - Self Propelled Charging System (PP-SPCS)

The Powered Parafoil Self Propelled Charging System (PP-SPCS) is a lightweight, compact, low-cost, electrical power generator that flies under its own power. It can be air dropped from a C-130 or C-17 or ground launched and has a range of over 300 nautical miles. PP-SPCS generates flexible power of up to 30 kW per unit and will be configured for 120 volt, 60 Hz duplex power.The Freedom Flight Works, Inc. team has extensive experience in aviation propulsion, remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), parachute airdrop, and electric generator technology development. FFW has successfully performed on 18 SBIR contracts for AFWERX, the Army, USSOCOM, and DARPA, including six Phase IIs and the transition of three technologies to Phase III. The FFW team has the necessary capabilities, facilities, and resources to execute this project successfully.PP-SPCS provides electrical power generation for a highly mobile force and rapid operational tempo in Contested Logistics (CONLOG) environments in support of special operations community, airfields, mobile bases, and Humanitarian Aid / Disaster Relief efforts. PP-SPCS will deliver mobile power generation at low cost, paving the way for sustained, dynamic operations in austere and contested environments.The PP-SPCS will incorporate existing COTS power generation and management equipment to augment LRPADS architectures. This innovation combines proven hardware and existing software to build a new and unique capability.FFW’s choice of a mature, automotive-derived, diesel powerplant and a commercial off-the-shelf generator—combined with the existing LRPADS designs for airframe and guidance systems—makes PP-SPCS an integration of relatively mature components. However, the combined system has not been built or tested and will require further design, testing, and spiral development to adapt it to the Air Force’s specific needs.To meet the intended functionality and meet the demands of a military duty cycle PP-SPCS will need to incorporate the following features and functionality that will require adaptation of the non-defense commercial components and existing LRPADS architecture:Electrical power generation components will be integrated into the LRPADS 2K architecture that maintains a compact overall form factor and meets weight and balance requirements.• The powerplant must be easily and safely transitioned from turning a propeller to turning a generator. This requires different engine speeds for the propeller and the generator. It is also desirable, for safety, to have the propeller disabled when the unit is operating on the ground as a generator.• PP-SPCS will need to be aligned with Air Force End-User needs for electrical power and adapted to meet their priorities.• PP-SPCS will be configured to reduce its acoustic and electromagnetic interference (EMI) signatures to minimize potential for detection and disruption.