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Completed TRL 5 (started at 5, targeting 5)
This task is to demonstrate the functionality and concept of the Parachute Wireless Disreef System (PWDS) which will be installed on a reefed, single parachute. Parachute reefing is a method to control a parachute's drag area by constricting the parachute diameter with a textile cord. Mechanically-actuated, time delay fused, pyrotechnic devices are the common method used to cut the textile cord allowing the
parachute diameter to expand; thus, increasing drag. These mechanical devices’ time delay error band yields imprecise control of parachute drag area which can cause leadlag problems in parachute cluster systems yielding an overdesigned system resulting in mass and volume penalties.
The use of electrically-actuated cord cutters receiving fire commands via a transceiver provides solutions to those known inconsistencies of disreefing singular and parachute clusters by providing precise control. This technology has future applications to abort modes in particular, where the vehicle state has a profound influence on the loads imparted when the parachute disreefs.
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