Capewell Displays the Precision Airdrop System (PADS) at DSEi
19 September 2005 10:40
Capewell, the world's leading manufacturer of life support and aerial delivery systems, displayed the Precision Airdrop System (PADS) at their stand at DSEi, September 13th to 16th.
PADS is an off-the-shelf solution for high altitude parachute cargo delivery, providing safety for the aircrew from ground threats and a mission planning system for covert airdrop operations. It was developed through the US Army Natick Soldier Center.
The largest error component in high-altitude parachute cargo delivery release point calculation is the wind estimate. The PADS system provides real-time onboard updates of the release point by utilising:
- Atmospheric models (high-resolution 4-D forecast fields from a supporting met office)
- Atmospheric measurement equipment (wind data from hand-deployed dropsondes)
- Onboard full physics and dynamics data assimilation with high-resolution topography and the 4-D forecast fields
- Planned point-of-impact, load/canopy data, and aircraft heading, airspeed and altitude
- 3-D weather field for load roll-out / canopy-opening / fall-trajectory model
PADS is fully integrated with the Capewell Affordable Guided Airdrop System (AGAS-2000) which is a 'smart' 2,000lb cargo delivery system suitable for precision airdrop. AGAS CEA accuracy with PADS is <100m from 18,000ft while high-altitude ballistic operations using PADS achieve <400m CEA accuracy from 25,000ft. PADS and AGAS are being deployed this year for use by US Department of Defense operational units.
About Capewell
Capewell Components Company LLC is the world's premier life support and aerial delivery manufacturer. Their aerial delivery division manufactures aerial delivery platforms ,airdrop systems, military pallets and Helicopter under slung load equipment Capewell also provides a full range of Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) and training for the entire product line.
Capewell also produces speciality items such as Container Delivery Systems (CDS), towplates, CDS Buffer Stop Assemblies (BSA), Center Vertical Restraint Systems (CVRS), the C-17 Dual Row Airdrop System (DRAS), platforms and outrigger assemblies, cargo parachute releases and Helicopter Under-Slung Lifting Equipment (HUSLE).
About Planning Systems Incorporated (PSI)
Planning Systems Incorporated (PSI) supports the Airdrop/Aerial Delivery Directorate, Natick Soldier Center, with the Precision Airdop System (PADS). The program develops and applies technologies to improve the delivery accuracy of guided and ballistic parachute loads released from high-altitude, in all weather and terrain conditions. PADS is a briefcase size, portable data receiving and processing system operated aboard the airdrop aircraft. Ten systems have been delivered to Air Mobility Command and other DoD units. Additional systems are in production to assist in high-altitude airdrop operations and precision personnel insertions.
For more information on this company:
Capewell Components - Military Life Support and Aerial Delivery Systems
Copyright 2007SPG Media Limited a subsidiary of SPG Media Group PLC
