CHARIOT: Connector High-speed Aerial Resupply/Insertion Over-the-horizon Transport

Mobility superiority is a force multiplier, allowing for military assets to respond to changing battlefield conditions quickly and unpredictably. Ground and sea-based platforms designed to transport troops and supplies have been utilized for millennia; however, they are limited by the terrain in which they are deployed. Aerial vehicles overcome these limitations by operating above the obstacles encountered by surface-constrained platforms. Currently, the individual, dismounted warfighter does not have flight capabilities at his/her disposal. Powered paragliders (paramotors) are aerial platforms that can fill this capability gap at the individual-combatant level. Lynntech proposes an advanced powered paraglider called CHARIOT: Connector High-speed Aerial Resupply/Insertion Over-the-horizon Transport to serve as a common, modular platform that can be tailored to meet the needs of the different missions performed by different branches of the DOD.       The paramotor’s lift will be generated by Custer Channel Wings (CCW) mounted to the device’s dual-propellers and an inflatable canopy that can be rapidly deployed from its pack with the application of compressed gas, even in zero-wind scenarios. The novel canopy provides the higher performance associated with semi-rigid wings while still offering the failsafe nature of classic parafoils constructed from traditional fabrics by maintaining its shape in the event of pressure loss during flight. The channel wings provide improved lift at lower speeds, aiding with short takeoff and landing at reduced speed. These features synergize to allow Lynntech’s paramotor platform to launch from the ground, aboard a ship, and from air vehicles. To reduce training time and increase platform effectiveness, Lynntech will incorporate a control system, similar to existing precision airdrop systems, that will simplify operation and provide autopilot functionality, reducing operator fatigue during long-duration flights. Lynntech’s paramotor platform will be readily adapted for unmanned aerial resupply, allowing for large loads of supplies to be delivered directly to soldiers in the field from ships located beyond the horizon.       Phase I feasibility and trade studies will be performed to determine what aspects of CHARIOT should be kept by future iterations of the designs and what aspects should be eliminated:       A propulsion subsystem test stand will be built and tested to determine the feasibility of the Custer Channel Wings and dual-propeller setup.       Analysis will determine the parafoil size and properties for optimum pairing with the CCW. Additionally, mechanisms for parafoil rigidification (e.g. inflatable support sections) will be explored for further parafoil development into Phase II.       A trade study will identify powerplants best suited for different mission durations. In particular, batteries, internal combustion engines, and fuel cells will be investigated.