Capewell’s 'AGAS' Precision Airdrop System Purchased by US Army Natick Soldier Center
31 May 2005 10:16
Capewell Components Company, LLC of South Windsor, CT and Vertigo, Inc. of Lake Elsinore, CA, announced the first purchase of AGAS (Affordable Guided Airdrop System) by the US Army Natick Soldier Center under a United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) sponsored technology transition Initiative (TTI) with support from US Air Force Air Mobility Command.
Representatives of the Natick Soldiers Center in Natick, MA and the US Army 82nd Airborne Division are investigating the potential of AGAS and PADS being employed operationally overseas. AGAS units and support packages were purchased to complete integration testing with the Air Mobility Command’s (AMC) PADS mission planning system manufactured by Planning Systems, Inc of Reston, VA.
AGAS is designed to deliver military payloads weighing up to 2,200lbs. using standard army cargo parachutes and containers. AGAS has proven to be an accurate, reliable and cost effective system.
The 2,200lb AGAS version is a strong contender for the just-in-time (JIT) logistics re-supply ‘Smart CDS’ that offers numerous enhancements and benefits to the user including: rapid field access to batteries and electronic components for reuse or to deny seizure by enemy forces, a lower profile and reduced weight guidance unit (159lbs, down from 240lbs), Kevlar risers, a portable high altitude Mission Computer, a lightweight WindPack (the mission computer and windpacks have not yet been purchased by DoD), an in-flight replaceable Flight Control Unit, a simplified rigging procedure (expected to add only ½ hour to standard CDS rigging), rapid data transmission, and continuous GPS signal verification. Because of its vertical trajectory flight path, AGAS is expected to be ideal for mountainous terrain, urban and jungle operations.
Planned future enhancements include a simple inexpensive canopy release system for use in high wind situations on the drop zone. An integration of AGAS with Planning Systems, Inc.’s (PSI) PADS is expected to be completed by mid 2005 for use by the USAF Air Mobility Command (AMC) in C-17 and C-130 aircraft. Recent demonstrations and tests have again proven that AGAS is an affordable, reliable, easy-to-use and accurate precision guided system (e.g. an AGAS unit hit the IP from 17,500’ AGL at YPG Kingman, AZ!).
For more information on this company:
Capewell Components - Military Life Support and Aerial Delivery Systems
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