Aerial delivery system with high accuracy touchdown

摘要

Embodiments described herein provide a system and method for persistent high-accuracy payload delivery utilizing a two-phase procedure during the terminal descent phase of aerial payload delivery. In the first phase a small parafoil provides aerial delivery of a payload to within a close proximity of an intended touchdown point, e.g., a target. In the second phase a target designator acquires the target and a trajectory to the target is determined. A harpoon launcher deploys a harpoon connected to the payload by an attachment line, such as a rope. A reel mechanism reels up the attachment line causing the payload to be moved to the target thus providing high accuracy touchdown payload delivery.

主权项

1. An unmanned high accuracy touchdown aerial delivery system for delivery of a payload to a target comprising:
an unmanned autonomous ram-air parafoil, said parafoil deployable from an aircraft; a payload connected to said parafoil, said payload comprising: a high accuracy touchdown delivery system, said high accuracy touchdown delivery system comprising: a guidance, navigation and control (GNC) system for providing guidance, navigation and control of said parafoil; a target designator for optical identification of a target; a harpoon launcher for launching a harpoon to said target; a harpoon, said harpoon deployable to said target by said harpoon launcher, said harpoon connected to a rope; a rope, said rope attached to said harpoon and to a reel mechanism, said rope of a length deployable with said harpoon to a said target; and a reel mechanism, said reel mechanism including a reel, said reel mechanism for deploying said rope and for reeling in said rope after touchdown of said payload, wherein said payload is moved to said target providing high accuracy touchdown delivery of said payload to said target.