Powered Paraglider with Increased Capabilities

The Navy/Marines are seeking advances in powered paraglider (PPG) technology to provide low signature capabilities. These capabilities can provide increased standoff for covert insertions and expand the operational footprint of reconnaissance and Special Operation Forces. The development of foot-launched PPG systems which can be launched from naval ship decks or deployed from aircraft at altitude would decrease the vulnerability of mission-critical assets and personnel. The technology required to meet the objectives of this SBIR solicitation does not currently exist in commercial-off-the-shelf systems primarily due to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and difficulties associated with the unique launch methods requested. Gravity D’Angelo Glider Systems, LLC (GDGS) proposes to meet the needs of the Navy and provide the Marine Corps with a PPG system capable of satisfying the performance objectives of this solicitation with a unique prototype system in its final stages of development. This prototype can solve many of the difficult challenges proposed in this solicitation with minor modifications to components that are currently in place to comply with FAA regulations. This approach greatly reduces the development time and costs associated with the early stages of new technology development as well as providing GDGS and the Marines a significant head start on creating a deployable system.