Russia developed a smart cargo parachute

Technodinamika holding (part of the state corporation Rostec) successfully completed factory tests of a «smart» cargo parachute system. It is equipped with an integrated automated control system, which allows for highly accurate landing, in fully automatic mode, with loads weighing up to 250 kg.

As reported by Rostec, the transport system consists of a landing platform, a parachute with a controllable wing-type canopy, as well as automatic flight and guidance equipment.

Depending on the operational and tactical situation, the cargo is launched in satellite positioning mode by GLONASS or GPS using a digital communication channel with the ground control equipment, or in «slave» mode. In this case, the payload follows the «lead» parachutist.

«The main advantage of the system is accuracy. Tests have confirmed that with a drop from a height of 4,000 meters the landing error does not exceed 100 meters. This makes it possible to reduce the time of deployment and plan delivery to a quality new level. The capabilities of the parachute make it possible to land various weapons, equipment, and ammunition. The development is capable of significantly increasing the capabilities of airborne troops, as well as special operations forces,» Rostec Aviation Group said.

The system was created by the Technodinamika holding company on its own initiative, at the Polet parachute plant.

«The holding’s development proved its reliability during factory tests, which lasted six months. During that time, the system was landed in the Moscow and Ryazan regions, as well as in Crimea. Now we are moving on to the flight test and development phase, which we plan to complete in the first quarter of 2022. In addition, our designers have already improved our own (original) design by increasing its payload capacity to 500 kg. This system is now in the research testing phase,» said Igor Nasenkov, CEO of Technodinamika Holding.