TEKNIK GRUP - Parachute Systems


	POWERED SHERPA The Powered Sherpa system features a high glide ratio ram air parachute, an engine driven propeller, a cargo module and a “Powered Sherpa” airborne guidance unit. The “Powered Sherpa” airborne guidance unit controls all engine functions, canopy deployment and steering lines and the cargo module.

High range/endurance

The propulsion system greatly enhances the performance of the overall system with respect to range and endurance (i.e. airtime). Range and airtime are not limited by deployment altitude, since the powered system can transport its full payload at a positive rate of climb.

Interchangeability of fuel and payload

The system features modular fuel and cargo storage systems that allow the user to exchange fuel for payload and vise versa in order to tailor the combined fuel and cargo payload to best suit the mission at hand.

Direct cargo delivery or in flight cargo release

The system allows the user to select the option of deploying its payload over the target area while in flight, (after which the system can be programmed to fly to a separate designated

Textron demonstration vehicle controlled by "Powered Sherpa"

recovery location). Otherwise the system can delivery its payload directly by landing at the user designated location from which both the cargo and the system can be retrieved.

Recoverable/reusable

The greatly enhanced range of the powered system provides the user with enhanced operational flexibility when choosing recovery locations.

Flexible deployment

This highly versatile system can be air deployed from numerous cargo aircraft including the C-130, C-141, CH-47 and C17, as well as ground deployed from a ground launch vehicle.

The combination of air and ground deployment offers maximal deployment flexibility. In effect, the system can be deployed from any location on the ground accessible to a Hummer, or from any location in the air accessible by cargo aircraft.

Standard rigging techniques

When deployed from a cargo aircraft, the system is packed and rigged using standard parachute packing and rigging techniques. The system is manually dispatched from the cargo aircraft and features a static line that deploys a drogue. A mechanical latch controlled by the airborne guidance unit, releases the main canopy following a stabilization period under drogue fall.Pyrotechnic cutters are not required by this system.

During a ground launch, the fully rigged canopy is unfolded and held in position by two individuals prior to take off. As the launch vehicle accelerates from rest, the canopy fills and rises to its take off position.

Robustness and recovery

The system is designed not only to endure the operational loads of air deployment and landing, it is also designed to endure the far more stringent shock and vibration loads associated with system recovery using a wheeled vehicle over rough terrain.

Fully autonomous flight

The systems airborne guidance provides fully autonomous flight control from the point of release through to fully autonomous landing. The system features highly advanced Mission Planning Software that assists the user in the selection of optimized deployment and recovery points to ensure mission success.

The Mission Planning Software runs on a standard PC. Once the user has completed the mission plan, the mission is downloaded to the Airborne Guidance Unit, prior to deployment of the system.

Manual remote control

A manual override capability is provided to allow the user to assume manual remote control of the system during the landing sequence.

Leaflet Delivery System "Snowgoose"
Prototype System for USSOCOM evaluation
(Computer generated images)

Bulk cargo delivery

Surveillance

Relay

Sensor delivery

Description	Target Performance/Specification
Maximum air speed (@ maximum all up weight)	15 m/s (33.5 mph)
Maximum range (with 75 lbs of payload)	300 km
Maximum combined fuel and cargo payload	272 kg (600 lbs)
Empty weight	272 kg (600 lbs)
Maximum all up weight	544 kg (1200 lbs)
Minimum air drop weight	333 kg (735 lbs)
Maximum projected surface area	2.1 m2 (23 ft2)
Available Engine power	70.7 kW (95 Hp)
Maximum climb rate	0.304 m/s (60 ft/min)
Total cargo volume	0.44 m3 (15.6 ft3)
Maximum fuel volume (primary tank)	0.038 m3 (10.0 gal US)
Maximum fuel volume (per auxiliary tank)	0.069 m3 (18.2 gal US)
Self Propelled flight ceiling	3,048 m (10,000 ft) AMSL
Approximate Canopy plan area	73.6 m2 (800 ft2)