Modularity Concepts for a 30,000 lb Capacity Ram-Air Parachute

The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research Development & Engineering Center (Natick) has contracted Para-Flite, Inc. to design and develop a 9,000 sq ft, low cost, slider reefed, Ram-Air parachute as part of a 30Klb Precision Aerial Delivery System. A primary design requirement for the system is the modularity concept. Under this requirement, all components of the system must weigh less than 250 lbs. A modular canopy has the logistical benefit of ease of material handling and an economic benefit of the replacement of individual damaged sections. The challenge of modular design is to incur minimal disassembly of the system when disengaging the modular pieces. The content of this paper discusses the implementation of the modularity concept to all the primary components of the 30K decelerator system; canopy, lines, slider, and risers.