Controllable, Autorotating Payload Emplacement System (CAPES)

AeroLive, Inc. and The University of Texas at Austin are proposing a concept comprising a controllable, autorotating, self-guided platform with a stowable rotor for precision airdrop and sensor emplacement to meet Air Force PEOs ISR/SOF and C3I&N, Joint Forces, and USTRANSCOM mission needs. The DoD platform aerially deploys from a range of altitudes and speeds from any capable aircraft, steers to the desired site, lands, and self-erects and reorients a payload. The device’s guidance, navigation, and control strategy will enable maneuverability into, within, and through open human-made and natural structures. The platform will support rapid disposal or destruction with or without ground personnel upon mission conclusion. Additionally, personnel can produce and assemble the platform on-demand and on-site before deployment to reduce excess decelerator storage.