NaviGadget

GPS aided parachutes to deliver supplies to troops

Sep 4, 2006 gps navigation, misc news

The Air Force is hoping a new cargo air drop system that uses Global Positioning System signals to steer parachuted pallets to troops on the ground will revolutionize air drops.

The Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS) was first used in combat on Thursday when a C-130 delivered supplies to Army soldiers The JPADS used in Afghanistan can guide up to 2,000 pounds of gear and each system including parachutes and guidance components costs about $35,000 and is reusable.

Before a crew starts a drop it releases a sensor that measures the wind direction and speed above the drop zone, Ciuzio said. That information is relayed to the crew that decides where and when to release the cargo out the rear of a C-130.

Once the cargo is airborne, a computer uses GPS coordinates to steer the payload’s main parachute. When the payload is about 1,000 feet above the drop zone, a second chute deploys and the cargo descends almost straight down.

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