Wind Effect on Gliding Parachute Systems with Non-Proportional Automatic Homing Control

摘要

Equations are presented and evaluated for estimating the wind effect on the approach path and descending orbit of gliding parachute systems with non-proportional automatic homing control. Exact equations are presented for determining certain characteristic features of the descending orbit. Iteration equations are presented incorporating homing simulation for calculating points at equal time intervals along the ground track. The control response time, effect of deployment position, and impact position probability are discussed. An empirical equation for the radius of the circle of equal probability as a function of turning radius, wind velocity, and system velocity is presented. A parametric analysis of the equations is given for systems with glide ratios from 2.0 to 3.0 and turning radii of 75 ft and 100 ft in winds of from 4 to 32 fps. The analysis shows that accuracy is more dependent on high glide ratio than on turning radius. (Author)