Deploy on the Run Capability for Powered Parafoils

Powered parafoils have several outstanding characteristics, they are low-cost, have high payload capacities, long-range capabilities, and are simple to operate. However, their parachutes are vulnerable to damage from snagging on rocks, vegetation and other obstacles during takeoff and landing.  They are also limited by their ability to handle adverse winds and cross winds.  Furthermore, laying out the parachute for takeoff, and stowing it after landing, take valuable time and require the vehicle to be stopped.  These limitations have greatly restricted the practical application of powered parafoils. Freedom Flight Works, Inc. (FFW) is surmounting these challenges with an automatic parachute deploy and retraction system called “Deploy on the Run” (DOR).  The DOR system enables operators to transition from ground mode to flight mode while the vehicle is in motion- vastly expanding the available takeoff and landing areas for the vehicle, reducing operator workload, and mitigating weather challenges. DOR has been under development for over three years with internal resources and under AFWERX SBIR Phase I and II contracts, and is patent pending. DOR operates with a motorized reel, parachute, and line management system that controls the extension and retraction of the parachute with automated, dynamic adjustment according to vehicle speed.  Feasibility has been confirmed in several cycles of spiral development testing and refinement with highly encouraging results. DOR is ideal for integration into Freedom Flight’s Roadrunner Air & Ground Utility Vehicle (AGUV) the world’s most capable Air & Ground Utility Vehicle (TRL7).  Roadrunner AGUV is equally comfortable on the ground and in flight and has a flight payload of over 900 lbs with a range of over 160 nautical miles. DOR is also well suited for integration into FFW’s Long Range Precision Aerial Delivery System (LRPADS), an autonomous parafoil cargo delivery system that can be launched from the ground, transport aircraft, or ships at sea.  LRPADS has exceptional range, payload and low signature characteristics. When incorporated into these advanced parafoil platforms new mission capabilities will be enabled because of the broader range of possible takeoff and landing locations, reduced operator workload, and increased operational weather envelope. DOR will enable expanded use of powered parafoils across a broad range of military cargo and Special Operations applications missions.  DOR is a game changer for increased powered parafoil utility and vastly expands their mission capability.