Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the invention address potential co-orbital threats to a spacecraft through the use of a plurality of evasion pattern maneuvers selected to prevent a rendezvous with a potential co-orbital threat from occurring within a finite horizon. Embodiments in accordance with the invention maintain separation from the potential co-orbital threat while minimizing a defending spacecraft's fuel consumption.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an HAPR apparatus comprising an inflatable frame configured to generate canopy extension based on surrounding atmospheric pressure. The inflatable frame has a first collapse load limit less than the weight of the canopy at a first pressurized state less than 75 kPa and a second collapse load limit greater than the weight of the canopy at a second pressurized state of greater than 95 kPa. The internal pressure of the inflatable frame is typically about 101 kPa. The HAPR apparatus allows ascension with the canopy hanging under its own weight to reduce ascension time, then generates canopy extension prior to release in essentially a zero velocity, zero dynamic pressure condition.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the invention address potential co-orbital threats to a spacecraft through the use of a plurality of evasion pattern maneuvers selected to prevent a rendezvous with a potential co-orbital threat from occurring within a finite horizon. Embodiments in accordance with the invention maintain separation from the potential co-orbital threat while minimizing a defending spacecraft's fuel consumption.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an HAPR apparatus comprising an inflatable frame configured to generate canopy extension based on surrounding atmospheric pressure. The inflatable frame has a first collapse load limit less than the weight of the canopy at a first pressurized state less than 75 kPa and a second collapse load limit greater than the weight of the canopy at a second pressurized state of greater than 95 kPa. The internal pressure of the inflatable frame is typically about 101 kPa. The HAPR apparatus allows ascension with the canopy hanging under its own weight to reduce ascension time, then generates canopy extension prior to release in essentially a zero velocity, zero dynamic pressure condition.

Abstract: A new mortar projectile for use to resupply various payloads to distant troops. The mortar projectile has the capability of rapidly and accurately transporting the payloads to forward disposed combatants without interference of terrain or enemy action. The mortar projectile includes a shell body for housing the payload to be delivered, and a GPS-guided parafoil for delivering the payload to the designated remote target location.

Abstract: A method is described that involves establishing a wireless network between a wireless access node of an existing network and a remote location by wirelessly linking a plurality of electronic processing circuits each transported by a respective parafoil. The wirelessly linked processing circuits are to route packets from the wireless access node to the remote location.

Abstract: A method is described that includes performing a), b) and c) below with an electronic control unit of a parafoil: a) after being dropped from an airborne vehicle, wirelessly receiving the parafoil's desired landing location; b) determining a flight path for the parafoil that lands at the desired landing location; and, c) controlling the parafoil's flight path consistently with the determined flight path.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method is described that involves establishing a wireless network between a wireless access node of an existing network and a remote location by wirelessly linking a plurality of electronic processing circuits each transported by a respective parafoil. The wirelessly linked processing circuits are to route packets from the wireless access node to the remote location.

Abstract: A method is described that involves performing the following with a parafoil's control unit composed of electronic circuitry while the control unit is being transported with a parafoil: determining a desired exit of a turn; determining a desired time for the turn; determining the parafoil's actual entrance for the turn; determining an arc between the actual entrance and the desired exit; and, incorporating said arc as said parafoil's planned flight trajectory through said turn.

Abstract: A method is described performing the following with a parafoil's control unit composed of electronic circuitry while the control unit is being transported with a parafoil: calculating a desired landing location for a parafoil, the desired landing location corresponding to a moving target, the calculating including using a term representative of the moving target's velocity; determining a flight path to the desired landing location; and, controlling the parafoil's flight path so as to follow the flight path.

Abstract: A method is described that involves determining a higher altitude wind. The method further includes determining a wind model with the higher altitude wind. The wind model includes a linear or logarithmic increase in wind magnitude with increasing altitude beneath the higher altitude. The method further includes determining locations of a flight path for a parafoil based on calculations that use the wind model. The calculations are performed by an electronic control unit that is transported by the parafoil. The method also includes controlling the parafoil's flight path consistently with the determined locations. The controlling is performed by the control unit.

Abstract: A method is described that involves establishing a wireless network between a wireless access node of an existing network and a remote location by wirelessly linking a plurality of electronic processing circuits each transported by a respective parafoil. The wirelessly linked processing circuits are to route packets from the wireless access node to the remote location.

Abstract: A method is described that includes performing a), b) and c) below with an electronic control unit of a parafoil: a) after being dropped from an airborne vehicle, wirelessly receiving the parafoil's desired landing location; b) determining a flight path for the parafoil that lands at the desired landing location; and, c) controlling the parafoil's flight path consistently with the determined flight path.

Abstract: A method is described performing the following with a parafoil's control unit composed of electronic circuitry while the control unit is being transported with a parafoil: calculating a desired landing location for a parafoil, the desired landing location corresponding to a moving target, the calculating including using a term representative of the moving target's velocity; determining a flight path to the desired landing location; and, controlling the parafoil's flight path so as to follow the flight path.

Abstract: A method is described that involves performing the following with a parafoil's control unit composed of electronic circuitry while the control unit is being transported with a parafoil: determining a desired exit of a turn; determining a desired time for the turn; determining the parafoil's actual entrance for the turn; determining an arc between the actual entrance and the desired exit; and, incorporating said arc as said parafoil's planned flight trajectory through said turn.

Abstract: A method is described that involves determining a higher altitude wind. The method further includes determining a wind model with the higher altitude wind. The wind model includes a linear or logarithmic increase in wind magnitude with increasing altitude beneath the higher altitude. The method further includes determining locations of a flight path for a parafoil based on calculations that use the wind model. The calculations are performed by an electronic control unit that is transported by the parafoil. The method also includes controlling the parafoil's flight path consistently with the determined locations. The controlling is performed by the control unit.