A "smart parachute" for paradropping is being developed in MIET

MIET scientists have improved the system for automated control of parachute platforms for the cargo delivery to the remote areas. According to the authors, the control system based on the new navigation algorithm can be used in research and rescue operations, as well as in emergency situations. The development will become a profitable alternative to foreign analogues.

A controlled parachute-cargo system is a device that helps to deliver cargo to areas with difficult terrain. Such a device should have automatic control both using satellite navigation systems and a remote control.

Last summer scientists conducted flight and design tests of their "smart parachute". As a result, new navigation algorithm was successfully tested. The developers improved the design and modernized the application and that allowed reducing the time to prepare the system for paradropping.

The main feature of the device is the use of the domestic module GKV-6, which allows to find a navigation solution based on data received from satellite navigation systems and inertial sensors. This module is a promising alternative to foreign navigation units, which are widely used in the field of control of unmanned technical systems.

To set up such system parameters as target coordinates, length of parachute lines, parameters of drive controllers, the scientists developed an application that allows to adjust these parameters before paradropping. The improved model is equipped with a new manual control unit that can operate without signal loss at a distance of up to 10 kilometers.

New navigation algorithm is based on the extended Kalman filter. It allows using the data of accelerometers, angular rate sensors, barometer and satellite navigation systems to find a solution that includes coordinates and orientation in space in real time. Thus, the algorithm can be launched directly during the flight, after which the system switches to the targeting mode.

The developers are planning to conduct repeated flight design tests of the upgraded system. One of the main tasks will be to develop an algorithm taking into account the influence of the wind, for example, setting the operating mode of the system when paradropping against a headwind.