Use of Agile Methodologies to Develop Robust and Supportable Parachute Systems for the U.S. DoD

摘要

The following paper outlines the Agile Methodology used by Airborne Systems' Research and Development organization to develop robust, reliable, and supportable personnel parachute and precision airdrop systems for the U.S. DoD. The methodology, encompassing both software and hardware (parachute and electro-mechanical) development and testing is inclusive of the ballistic parachutes, high performance ram air parafoils, guidance navigation and control (GN&C) flight software, and avionics. Iterative and highly collaborative Agile development methodologies are widely employed in both commercial and DoD programs for a number of reasons, in particular the need for developers to respond quickly to evolving requirements and requirements which necessitate innovative solutions.