Scalable Fluidic Propulsion System for Reduced Signature Powered Parafoils

Paragrine Systems will advance development of a Powered Parafoil Fluidic Propulsion System (PP-FPS).  This innovative and unique propulsion system is built around a remarkable innovation made by Jetoptera, Inc, the Fluidic Propulsion System™, which has no external moving parts and provides thrust though application of compressed air in a high velocity jet employed on the peripheral edge of a specially shaped thruster, this jet creates an effect whereby surrounding air is entrained into a column of accelerated air formed into a powerful motive flow.  Because this is accomplished without a propeller or fan it has many unique and beneficial characteristics—including a remarkably favorable acoustic signature. Phase I testing has confirmed that FPS, when packaged into a specialized PP-FPS enclosure has the potential to the quietest aircraft propulsion system yet devised.  Flying at an altitude of 3,000 feet PP-FPS will have a noise signature of less than 35 dB – about the same a refrigerator’s hum.  In a jungle environment the PP-FPS will be undetectable to observers on the ground, day or night, when flying as low as 1,000 feet. In a desert environment it will be virtually soundless to those on the ground, day or night, at 4,000 feet.  Moreover, the acoustic signature of the PP-FPS will not sound like a machine, it will sound like the wind. PP-FPS has numerous other advantages in addition to its favorable acoustic signature.  It presents remarkable opportunities for reduction of thermal signature as well because the engine exhaust gasses can be mixed with the entrained air of the thrusters.  Furthermore, it can be packaged in a configuration that is readily integrated into existing aerial delivery systems, such as JPADS, and offers opportunities for reduced radar signature.  PP-FPS is scalable for transport of payloads from 100 to 10,000 lbs. The completed PP-FPS package offers efficient, low signature, low-cost mobility via powered parafoils and meets the Army’s objective for a solution for cargo and personnel transport in contested A2/AD environments. PP-FPS™ is well suited to powered parafoil propulsion because it: has no external moving parts that have potential to tangle lines and parachutes and present a safety hazard is most efficient in the powered parafoil flight envelope has inherently favorable acoustic and thermal signatures offers unique opportunities for creative configurations enabling additional signature reduction, ruggedness, and compactness In addition to delivering a propulsion system well matched to the Army’s objective of reduced signature powered parfoils PP-FPS will also advance progress FPS application for other flying machines and for Paragrine’s development of integrated powered parafoil systems to meet a range of DoD and civil applications.