Design, Fabrication and Testing of an Airdrop Platform Utilizing Airbags as Shock Absorbers

摘要

The platform is a prototype, utilizing airbags for ground impact energy dissipation. The prototype was developed to assess the feasibility of using the proposed arrangement to cushion the impact of gliding parachute delivered cargos. The platform will be referred to as the Airbag Gliding Airdrop Reusable Platform (AGARP). The prototype airdrop platform consists of four cylindrical airbags sandwiched between upper and lower plates. The ends of the airbags are fastened to the plates. Air from the bags is exhausted through orifice holes which are an integral part at the lower plate. Foam cushions, referred to as bump stops, are mounted on the upper surface of the lower plate. Motion of one plate with respect to the other is constrained by a number of straps. Keywords: Airdrop platform, Aerial delivery, Landing impact, Impact shock, Air drop operations, Airbags, Energy dissipation, Ground shock, Platforms. (sdw)