Innovative Glide with Novel In-canopy Thrust Enhancement (IGNITE)

MORSE proposesĀInnovative Glide with Novel In-canopy Thrust Enhancement (IGNITE),Āa lightweight, air-deployable personnel airdrop system that extends operational range by enabling powered and maneuverable low-level flight.ĀIGNITE integrates aĀdistributed electric propulsion system into the leading edge of a ram-air paragliderĀwith additional aerodynamic improvements including reduced inlet size, variable opening inlets, and trailing edge thrust venting to minimize drag, reduce acoustic and radar observability, and achieve required operational ranges.IGNITE will revolutionize the propulsion of powered paragliding systems resulting in significant improvements in aerodynamic efficiency and observability footprint. During Phase 1, MORSE will apply our extensive vehicle design experience to optimize IGNITEÆs configuration by performing a range of trade studies.ĀMORSE will leverage rapid prototyping to conduct subscale testing and de-risk this novel solution. The combination of detailed analysis and subscale testing will ensure IGNITE can meet or exceed the key performance parameters.In addition to IGNITE, MORSE will also design a low-risk, high TRL solution for CHUTE that leverages our work on DARPAÆsĀRapid Assembly Paramotor for Tactical Operator Relocation-2 (RAPTOR-2)Āeffort. RAPTOR-2Æs all electric propulsion system affixes to an operator with a simple backpack harness containing a ram-air paraglider wing to generate the lift to climb, cruise, and glide.ĀRAPTOR 3.0 will optimize RAPTOR-2 to specifically meet CHUTEÆs requirements. This approach balances IGNITEÆs high risk/reward design against a lower-risk solution and ensures the government the greatest flexibility for CHUTEÆs Phase 1 down select.