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Skydiving Canopies Pre-adapted for Deploy-Retract Aloft

It is a challenge to set and douse an AWES wing aloft; for early launch in calm, and to furl in increasing wind (or for low-drag pumping retract).
A common feature of parachutes is a strong attachment point at the apex (conical canopy) or two points at the topskin B-line center (square canopy). A pilot-chute attaches there, and pulls the chute from the deployment-bag (a model for cascade launch).
Under formal analysis, this is in principle a reversible operation. By slacking the risers and pulling the chute into a pack (bag or sleeve), the volume of the wing is reduced to < 1/50 its inflated volume [SkySails 2013). The pack achieves very low lift and drag coefficients compared to its max values.
The AWE Encampment has deployed a mini-OL from a pack hung from the line a small pilot-kite. The launch succeeded, with the pilot withdrawing. Next, we intend to show the full cycle; a pop-and-douse-aloft-and-retract-back-into-the-bag operation, first with a small kite, then with Taylor's old XXL skydiving canopy. Sailboat racing spinnaker methods are a close similarity case to imitate.

  • CC BY NC SA     ~Dave Santos        5Nov2013              Discuss at:  airbornewindenergy10599

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