Introduction
Because flights are going higher and higher, recovery within a reasonable distance from the launch pad becomes equally harder. Due to many factors such as: wind, launch angle directions set by range officers and unforeseen situations during flights, the need for an actively controlled recovery phase grew. This page will describe the quest for such a system.
SPADES – A similar system was made by Dutch Space. Although inmensly further advanced the basics goals are the same: “The fully autonomous SPADES precision airdrop system is designed for safe and accurate delivery of goods at any desired location in support of military or humanitarian missions.”
Planning
Please click on the corresponding links for more detailed information
- PHASE 1 – Construct testplatform, radio controlled powered paraglider (PPL)
- PHASE 2 – Fly EasyStar UAV with Return-To-Launch autopilot
- PHASE 3 – Construct prototype and prepare for launch from airplane at several heights
- PHASE 4 – Launch it in a rocket at a NLD in end of 2009 or beginning 2010
Useful links / References
AIRCATCHER – High performance powered parachutes