Aerial Delivery Directorate. Aerial Delivery Directorate

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1 2016 Commercial Phone: DSN: U.S. Army Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue U.S. Army Natick Soldier RD&E Center Aerial Delivery Directorate RDNS-SEW 10 General Greene Avenue Natick, MA Aerial Delivery Directorate Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue st Edition, August 2016 Approved for public release; distribution unlimited REV OPSEC U16-373

2 TABLE of CONTENTS INTRODUCTION...3 CARGO AIRDROP SYSTEMS... 4 HELICOPTER SLING LOAD SYSTEMS/PROGRAMS FUTURE CAPABILITIES AWAITING REQUIREMENTS FACILITIES CONTACT INFORMATION Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

3 Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

4 INTRODUCTION MISSION: Provide the means to conduct the aerial delivery of cargo and Warfighters to the point of need through Joint partnerships and worldclass research, development, prototyping, and engineering support solutions. VISION: To be the recognized leader and Center of Excellence within DoD/US Government for Aerial Delivery Research and Development for personnel and cargo aerial delivery systems and equipment. TRAITS: The Aerial Delivery Directorate is a high-performing, customer-focused organization characterized by the following traits: Agile: An organization that moves quickly in a coordinated manner to meet the needs of the customer. Adaptable: An organization that embraces change to gain the advantage for itself and its customers. Cohesive: A well-integrated organization that, with lifecycle partners, effectively researches, develops, and sustains aerial delivery equipment from cradle-to-grave with DoD partners, allied nations, industry and academia. Collaborative: An organization that actively partners with the Joint community, leveraging available expertise and resources to better serve the Warfighter. Credible: An organization sought out for its knowledge, skills, abilities, expertise and long-standing reputation for excellence in the execution of research, development, engineering, prototyping, and acquisition support of aerial delivery solutions and systems. User-focused: An organization that is closely tied to and trusted by its user community and relies on user feedback throughout the lifecycle of a concept and or product. the lifecycle of a concept and or product. TENETS: The principles that define the Aerial Delivery Directorate s culture are as follows: Provide a professional and safe work environment where individual and team successes are recognized. Train and develop the workforce to achieve the highest level of performance. Focus on the needs of the customer and end user. Maintain close ties with lifecycle managers and all stakeholders, working together to reach the best solution for the Warfighter. Leverage the synergistic power of Joint collaborative relationships. Emphasize and reward creativity and innovation in the development of technologies, information, or processes that supports the mission. Continually refine and improve operational and procedural processes to reduce inefficiency, cost, and administrative burden on directorate team members and the customer. KEY ENABLERS: Key enablers are critical elements that facilitate the successful performance of the mission and eventual realization of the vision. Co-location with lifecycle managers. motivated, expert workforce persistent internal and external partnerships and collaborations built on trust financial resources embedded military personnel effective leadership high quality recruitment and development effective and timely decision making project and knowledge management proven track record of success risk tolerance infrastructure efficient operations and business processes Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

5 CARGO AIRDROP SYSTEMS Joint Precision Aerial Delivery Systems Ultra Light Weight (JPADS ULW) OVERVIEW: Joint Precision Aerial Delivery Systems (JPADS) is a family of systems that autonomously controls the system through its descent to the target. The JPADS primarily consist of a high-glide ram air Parafoil and Autonomous Guidance Unit (AGU) and are capable of delivering between 10 to 42,000lbs from altitudes as high as 25,000ft. The JPADS family include a variety of Science and Technology capabilities, which have seen multiple rapid fielding initiatives and urgent releases, and include three Programs of Record; Product Manager Force Sustainment System s (PdM FSS) JPADS 2,200 lbs (JPADS 2K), PdM FSS s 10,000 lbs (JPADS 10K), and US Marine Corp s (USMC) JPADS Ultralight Weight (JPADS ULW). JPADS provides the ability to be deployed from high altitudes and at significant horizontal distance from the target which reduces surface to air threats to the aircraft and allow for stealthy insertion or resupply. JPADS accuracy and reliability allow for critical resupply in austere locations while consistently maintaining its accuracy across a wide operating altitude and weight range. This accuracy reduces ground dispersion and minimizes ground personnel exposure during airdrop recovery. The JPADS have been designed to operate independent of any support equipment and can be deployed with minimal user input. In addition, the systems are compatible with the U.S. Air Force JPADS Mission Planner that is used when deploying from USAF aircraft. The JPADS mission planner consists of the Consolidated Airdrop Tool (CAT) software, used to assimilate various weather profiles to generate the Launch Acceptability Region (LAR); a Dropsonde and Dropsonde receiver, used to gather near real time wind information; and a GPS rebroadcast system, used to provide the JPADS systems with GPS in the aircraft prior to deployment. DESCRIPTION: Matured by NSRDEC under the JMDSE JCTD, ULW is now a program of record with USMC MARCORSYSCOM, supports a weight range of lbs suspended, and and primarily utilizes the JPADS 2K Modular AGU (MAGU) coupled with a variety of repurposed personnel parachute systems. Although capable of supporting the standard JPADS mission sets, the JPADS ULW also supports the unique ability to utilize repurposed personnel parachute systems that have outlived their useful life, providing significant cost savings; provides critical resupply to small units on the move, allowing soldiers to carry less weight and relying on aerial resupply; and provides same/similar performance characteristics as High Altitude High Opening (HAHO)/ High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) personnel jumpers, allowing personnel to deploy in combination with their cargo Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

6 CARGO AIRDROP SYSTEMS 500 lbs High Altitude Low Opening (.5K HALO) Triple Cross Main Canopies TOP: System Under Drogue; MIDDLE: Transition to Main; BOTTOM: System Under Main Canopy OVERVIEW: The 500 pound (.5K) High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) system is part of a scalable family of HALO systems capable for delivering payloads ranging from 50 to 42,000 pounds. This HALO system combines the accuracy benefits of a high velocity system with the payload survivability of a low velocity system, while using as many standard inventory components as possible. In order to conduct airdrop in a high threat environmet, the Air Force is often required to operate at altitudes as high as 25,000 feet MSL. From these altitudes, a parachute must fall very quickly to exit the airspace and to minimize the drift effects due to wind. However, only certain types of cargo are rated to survive a ground impact at such a high rate of speed. By deploying a larger parachute closer to the ground, the rate of fall is greatly decreased, allowing for a larger variety of payloads to be dropped. DESCRIPTION: 500 lbs High Altitude Low Opening (.5K HALO) system is an inexpensive/expendable system that allows for high altitude ballistic airdrop operations with moderate accuracy. The system consists of a cone drogue, a Wireless Activation Device (WAD), and is compatible with all Low Cost Low Altitude parachutes. The.5K HALO system is deployed from high altitude, outside the ground to air threat to the aircraft, and descends rapidly under drogue, minimizing the effects of wind conditions and making for a more accurate system. The WAD deploys the system s main LCLA parachute(s) at the appropriate minimum elevation above the target, considerably reduces the system descent rate, resulting in increased payload survivability. The system leverages main parachutes in the Army inventory and which are actively being sustained and, with the incorporation of two additional components at the field level, provides a significant increase in operational capability. Supporting the lb weight range,.5k HALO is the only system that allows for expendable/low cost high altitude airdrop that results in moderate accuracy and high payload survivability Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

7 CARGO AIRDROP SYSTEMS 2,000 Pound High Altitude - Low Opening (2K HALO) OVERVIEW: The 2,000 pound (2K) High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) system is part of a scalable family of HALO systems capable for delivering payloads ranging from 50 to 42,000 pounds. This HALO system combines the accuracy benefits of a high velocity system with the payload survivability of a low velocity system, while using as many standard inventory components as possible. In order to conduct airdrop in a high threat environment, the Air Force is often required to operate at altitudes as high as 25,000 feet. From these altitudes, a parachute must fall very quickly to exit the airspace and to minimize the drift effects due to wind. However, only certain types of cargo are rated to survive a ground impact at such a high rate of speed. By deploying a larger parachute closer to the ground, the rate of fall is greatly decreased, allowing for a larger variety of payloads to be dropped. DESCRIPTION: The Container Delivery System (CDS) is the most common type of payload being dropped for resupply operations, which corresponds to a payload weight 501 to 2,200 pounds and is compatible with the 2K HALO system. The 2K HALO system was initially pursued as sub-scale testing of the 5-10K HALO system developed by NSRDEC with funding from the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization and has been more recently supported by the United States Transportation Command. 2K HALO uses a 15-foot ringslot parachute during the first stage of descent, falling at two to three times the speed of a conventional high-velocity parachute system. This increased rate of fall minimizes the time the system is exposed to the winds aloft, the greatest source of error in a ballistic airdrop. Because the higher rate of fall minimizes drift effects, the HALO system can also be more accurate than a conventional high velocity payload. At approximately 1,000 feet above ground level, a wireless Activation Device (WAD) releases the 15-foot ringslot and deploys a low velocity parachute. This parachute can be a G-12 or Low Cost Aerial Delivery System Low Velocity (LCADS- LV); both will slow the payload s descent and provide a low velocity ground impact. Any cargo that is certified for use with these parachutes can be used on a 2K HALO system. This system provides the best of both worlds, with improved high altitude accuracy over a conventional high velocity system and permits the use of all payloads rated for low velocity airdrop. Transition to Main Canopy System Under Main Canopy G-12 LCADS-LV Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

8 CARGO AIRDROP SYSTEMS 5,000-10,000 Pound High Altitude - Low Opening (5-10K HALO) OVERVIEW: The 5,000 to 10,000 pound (5-10K) High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) system is part of a scalable family of HALO systems capable for delivering payloads ranging from 50 to 42,000 pounds. This HALO system combines the accuracy benefits of a high velocity system with the payload survivability of a low velocity system, while using as many standard inventory components as possible. In order to conduct airdrop in a high threat environment, the Air Force is often required to operate at altitudes as high as 25,000 feet. From these altitudes, a parachute must fall very quickly to exit the airspace and to minimize the drift effects due to wind. However, only certain types of cargo are rated to survive a ground impact at such a high rate of speed. By deploying a larger parachute closer to the ground, the rate of fall is greatly decreased, allowing for a larger variety of payloads to be dropped. DESCRIPTION: This project was developed by NSRDEC with the support of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization. The goal of 5-10K HALO was to be able to drop larger, heavier items than the typical 2,200lb Container Delivery System but without the need to retrograde expensive components. As such, all system components were chosen with cost as a driver. A one time use plywood platform was designed to withstand the Air Force s transportability requirements for both C-130 and C-17 aircraft while one time use Low Cost Aerial Delivery System Low Velocity parachutes (LCADS-LV) were also used in the system. The 5-10K HALO system uses a pre-existing 28-foot ringslot parachute during the first stage of descent, falling at two to three times the speed of a conventional high-velocity parachute system. This increased rate of fall minimizes the time the system is exposed to the winds aloft, the greatest source of error in a ballistic airdrop. Because the higher rate of fall minimizes drift effects, the HALO system can also be more accurate than a conventional high velocity payload. At approximately 2,000 feet above ground level, an activation device releases the 28-foot ringslot and deploys one or more low velocity parachutes. When retrograde is possible or in the training environment, one or two G-11 parachutes can be used, depending on the payload weight. When recovering the airdrop equipment is not possible, a cluster of 2, 3 or 4 LCADS-LV parachutes can be used, depending on the weight. This combination of parachutes will slow the payload s descent and provide a soft ground impact, increasing payload survivability. Rigging procedures and a parts list have been developed for the system and it is awaiting for a requirement from the user community. LCADS-LVs 5-10K HALO G-11 G-11s Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

9 CARGO AIRDROP SYSTEMS High Speed Container Delivery System (HSCDS) OVERVIEW: The Air Force has a need for an aerial delivery system that can match the high speed capability of their modern airframes while the Army has a need for accurate aerial resupply with a reduction in payload dispersion on the ground and a decreased position signature over the dropzone. The High Speed Container Delivery System is able to meet both of those needs, providing an aerial delivery system that can be deployed at airspeeds up to 250 knots from as low as 250 feet. The aircrew will receive the benefit of increased ingress and egress speeds, limiting their exposure to threats and increasing their maneuverability. Ground forces will receive the benefit of an accurate, predictable airdrop with decreased payload dispersion while reducing the likelihood that the dropzone will be detected by the enemy. DESCRIPTION: The High Speed Container Delivery System (HSCDS) was developed as a Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) starting in FY11 and sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the United States Transportation Command. The system allows for the deployment of up to a total of eight 2,200 pound containers during a single pass using an extraction parachute to pull them out of the aircraft. HSCDS allows C-130J, C-17, MC-130J and MC-130H aircraft to deliver over 16,000 pounds in a single pass at airspeeds up to 250 knots and as low as 250 feet. The same extraction procedures and conventional parachute equipment can be used for a low speed extracted capability, providing the same accuracy, predictability and reduction in payload dispersion with the addition of only one non-standard component. The low speed extracted system is especially useful for aircraft that do not have a high speed airdrop capability, such as the C-130H. The high speed capability requires a high speed extraction parachute system, recovery parachute system and container in order to perform at 250 knots. All of the components and procedures developed during the JCTD have transitioned to Product Manager- Force Sustainment System as part of their Extracted High/Low Speed Container Delivery System (EHLSCDS) Program of Record. C-130 HSCDS Extraction C-17 HSCDS Extraction Composite Photo of Extraction and Landing Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

10 CARGO AIRDROP SYSTEMS Airdrop from Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Capabilities: Airdrop from UAS allows material and supplies to be delivered into hazardous locations where manned aircraft and aircrews have the potential of being damaged/destroyed or lost. UAS can also provide a quick response capability, such as medical emergencies, where ground lines of communication are limited or non-existent. DESCRIPTION: Multiple airframes have been used to demonstrate the Airdrop from a UAS capability, with payloads ranging from a few pounds to 2,200 pounds each. The aircraft can deliver unguided or guided payloads to the calculated air release point (CARP), activate the release of the payload and return to base. An Iridium Satcom has also been used to demonstrate the capability to change the aircraft flight path, the payload release point and the payload landing location while in flight. Tigershark: Payload weight: pounds Release altitude: ,000 feet AGL Payloads: 1 Maverick: Payload weight: pounds Release altitude: ,000 feet AGL Payloads: 1 K-Max: Payload weight: 50-2,200 pounds Release altitude: 50 feet AGL-10,000 feet MSL Payloads: up to Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

11 HELICOPTER SLING LOAD SYSTEMS/PROGRAMS Enhanced Speed Bag System (ESBS) OVERVIEW: The ESBS is a low cost solution to increase survivability of supplies and lethality on the battlefield. The need for this system derives from units creating ad-hoc delivery methods with techniques known as Speed Ball using rucksacks, aviator s kit bags and/or body bags to free drop commodities resulting in losses of up to 60% with 100% non mission capable items received by the ground forces. The ESBS has demonstrated, during trials, small element resupply with the ESBS is superior to the current ad-hoc methods resulting in increased Class V survivability and lethality on the ground. DESCRIPTION: The ESBS is a hands-free operated automatic rope brake assembly that controls the rate of descent and orientation of a cargo package comprised of three primary components: linear brake, speed line, and multipurpose cargo bag with loose fill padding and energy dissipation materials. The linear brake system operates by using a braided friction grip to apply friction to a self contained rope as it passes through the device. The friction grip is tensioned to one of various settings based on the weight of the package which controls the amount of friction on the speed line reducing the rate of decent. The multipurpose cargo bag is specially designed to land with its base down allowing the energy dissipation material to absorb the impact energy and is compatible with the Low Cost Low Altitude (LCLA) family of parachutes. The ESBS will provide the capability to deliver six manageable size/weight packages between 125 and 250 lbs of supplies, from a rotary wing aircraft simultaneously, in less than 14 seconds Time on Target, with pin point accuracy. It will provide Ground Commanders a low cost, economical material solution with predictable results from free fall aerial delivery with increased survivability for small element resupply operations from rotary wing aircraft from 100 ft AGL in environments where the terrain and or enemy situations prevent typical resupply methods Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

12 HELICOPTER SLING LOAD SYSTEMS/PROGRAMS Helicopter Sling Load Rapid Aerial Delivery Equipment (HSL RADE) Wireless release in the frame HSL RADE MCS GUI Full HSL RADE System under CH-47 Helicopter CAPABILITIES: The HSL RADE project integrated elements from various airdrop programs into a new capability that allows aerial delivery of payloads from the cargo hook of a helicopter. The system was developed by the NSRDEC and sponsored by USTRANSCOM to maximize the carrying capacity of rotary wing aircraft in an airdrop application. The system relocates airdrop payloads from within the aircraft to under where volume and floor pressure are no longer an issue. The RADE frame also allows any payload(s) to be selected (via a wireless controller) and airdropped without a predetermined release order, allowing for greater operational flexibility. DESCRIPTION: The HSL RADE system consists of four frame structures manufactured from aluminum I-beams, wireless release devices located on the I-beam, and a controller device to program payload release order. The components can be flown individually, in pairs or four connected sections to provide airdrop capability for up to eight, sixteen or thirty-two payloads respectively. The controller can be used to identify the desired payload(s) for release and activate when at the desired calculated air release point. FACTS: Weight: ¼ section: ~200pounds ½ section: ~400 pounds Full system: ~900 pounds Capacity: ¼ section: ~4,000 pounds ½ section: ~8,000 pounds Full system: ~16,000 pounds Quarter System High-Speed UH-72 Flight with Eight Payloads Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

13 HELICOPTER SLING LOAD SYSTEMS/PROGRAMS Helicopter Sling Load Unmanned Hookup (HSLUH) OVERVIEW: Army helicopter sling load operations require between two to four personnel beneath the aircraft during a payload hookup. Poor environmental conditions, such as nighttime, winds, and whiteout/brownout conditions, combined with dangerous hookup conditions, such as the hookup team being on top of the load, causes a significant safety concern. In anticipation of the approved Sustainment Aerial Delivery Equipment Capability Development Document (SADE-SL CDD), NSRDEC invested in the development of an HSL Unmanned Hookup technology to address this concern. NSRDEC posted a Request for Information (RFI) in November 2013 and funded two contractors to develop prototypes. The two prototypes are dubbed the Auto Capture Hook-250 (ACH-250) and the Vertical Capture Transporter 3 (VCT-3). Both devices are rated to a 25,000 lb working load and a 76,100 lb proof load. DESCRIPTION OF ACH-250: This device is a grapple hook design with three spring-loaded articulating arms. It can be suspended below a helicopter using either an HSL sling or reach pendant attached to the ACH-250 via a 25K Apex. The ACH-250 works by maneuvering the device to capture a loop attached to the payload. A successful hookup only requires the ACH-250 to capture the loop using one of its three arms; however any combination of one, two or three arms will result in a successful hookup. In order to secure the loop it must capture one leg of a loop and not the entire loop. Once the loop is secured, the helicopter increases altitude, flies to the destination landing zone (LZ) and releases the payload. The payload is lowered to the ground, which removes the load on the system, and the arms of the ACH-250 are lowered to the down position. Raising and lowering the arms is accomplished using a wired controller. During operation the controller remains in the aircraft and is held by the Crew Chief. DESCRIPTION OF VCT-3: This device is a cone on cone design. The hookup device (white in color) is attached to a 25K Apex and is suspended under a helicopter using either an HSL sling or reach pendant. The hookup device weighs approximately 280 lb. The hookup device is maneuvered to fit over and capture the bottom cone (referred to as the plucker and red in color). The plucker weighs approximately 70 lb. The capture occurs when the spring loaded arms within the hookup device lock around the silver mushroom cap of the plucker. Once the plucker is captured, the helicopter increases altitude and flies to the LZ. At arrival, the helicopter places the payload on the ground and releases the plucker, which disconnects the payload from the helicopter. The release action of the hookup device is controlled by a wireless controller. To release the load, the Crew Chief presses Button 1. VCT-3 Hookup device Plucker for VCT-3 Wireless Controller for VCT-3 ACH Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

14 FUTURE CAPABILITIES AWAITING REQUIREMENTS Joint Medical Distance Support and Evacuation (JMDSE) Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) OVERVIEW: JMDSE was a FY09-11 JCTD. The DDR&E Rapid Fielding Office is the proponent organization for JCTDs and JMDSE was managed by a joint Department of Defense (DoD) team with USJFCOM as the Operational Manager and US Army Natick Soldier Research, Development & Engineering Center (NSRDEC) as the Technical Manager. JMDSE included a focus on low weight payload (Micro Light Weight (MLW) lbs. and Ultra Light Weight (ULW) lbs.) delivery of medical bundles, sensors, robots/ugs and Psychological Operations (PSYOP) payloads from fixed wing (C-130, C-17, V-22), rotary wing (UH-60, SH-60, CH-53), AND INCLUDED: JPADS drops from fixed wing, Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) and balloon UAS to include Tigershark, Maverick, KMAX, and COTS Weather balloons. All mentioned UAS airdrops were demonstrated to include use of JPADS developed technologies that allow for JPADS integration into UASs with no/min. modifications to the UAS avionics or ground station (utilizes an independent Iridium satellite communications (SATCOM) system) and min integration to the UAS. DESCRIPTION: JPADS in these MLW and ULW classes are self guided parafoil based airdrop systems that can be deployed from up to 25K ft. Mean Sea Level (MSL) and land to within accuracies as follows: 50M radius threshold for MLW (10M Objective), and 150M radius threshold for ULW (50M objective) at 80% Circular Error Probable (CEP) with a system reliability of 94%. A top level description of capabilities demonstrated are listed below: Demonstrated a wide range of payload deliveries to include typical resupply for Small unit/squads (food, water etc), UGS (robots), wide range of medical supplies, unattended sensors etc. from manned fixed wing (C-130, C-17, V-22) and many helicopter types (most ranged between lbs) with altitudes up to (C-130 and C-17s), 25KftMSL. Also demonstrated numerous early combo drops with follow on military free fall jumpers. Demonstrated SATCOM-initiated airdrop of medical supplies, UGSs, and resupply loads between 10-2,200 lbs. (up to 4 at a time and utilizing fielded Low Cost Low Altitude (LCLA), G-12s, and prototype JPADS) from a carousel/sling load off the KMAX UAS multiple times from up to 10K ft. MSL. Designed for easy integration to other fixed wing UAS. Demonstrated SATCOM-initiated airdrop of small payloads (scaled demo) from a balloon system with adjustable altitude (from 1-90K ft. MSL) from ~5K ft. MSL, after hours of flight (designed to be days of flight). TRANSITION: To date, only the ULW JPADS technologies have transitioned to a formal (USMC) program of record. The other technologies are at a range of TRLs and ready for further refinement, enhancements, additional technologies and maturization to PORs if requirements are generated. Ultra Lightweight System Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

15 FUTURE CAPABILITIES AWAITING REQUIREMENTS On Demand Airdrop PURPOSE: To develop a Nett Warrior plug-in that allows a Nett Warrior equipped Army Small Unit located in remote/austere locations with the ability to request, monitor, and track aerial resupply missions in real-time. This includes a Logistics Server that tracks and relays mission status, distributes mission information, auto-notifies personnel, and integrates multi-service airdrop data for a holistic view of the operation. This project will address the follow problems: Aerial resupply process does not facilitate on-demand delivery of materials or provide adequate feedback to the ground soldier who requested the materials Existing requests for aerial resupply require careful planning and communications between the requestor and airdrop support assets and does not occur in real-time Often, existing voice communications between the aircraft and ground Soldier do not work, causing materials not to be delivered The inability to locate airdrop equipment, possibly due to system malfunction or terrain/vegetation/ visibility, results in material loss PRODUCT: Airdrop Iridium Server the project shall develop a server hosted on NIPR and interfaces with the Iridium DOD gateway. The servers primary functions are to route iridium information to/from all parties, host and track the missions logistics information, auto-notify personnel of actions, and combine multisource mission data Airdrop Bundle Tracker Iridium Device that facilitates the tracking of Airdrop payloads beyond line of sight. Airdrop On Demand Airdrop Nett Warrior Plug-in Nett Warrior plug-in that allows the ground user to request the aerial resupply, track its program, free text, and track the location of the bundles during execution. PAYOFF: Provide the dismounted Soldier with a real-time view of logistics information Recover resupply materials faster/ reducing loss of airdrop materials Collect and assemble multi-service operational airdrop data spanning planning pre-flight to real time execution FUNDING SOURCE: United States Transportation Command (US TRANSCOM) Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

16 FUTURE CAPABILITIES AWAITING REQUIREMENTS Wireless Activation Device for High Altitude Low Opening Ballistic Systems PURPOSE: To develop a device capable of pulling a pin on a mechanical release system or fire a pyrotechnic charge to trigger the deployment of a low velocity parachute at a specific altitude, barometric pressure or freefall time PRODUCTS/RESULT(S): Prototype hardware to be used for airdrop testing of cargo systems Programming software on a Windows based tablet platform PAYOFF(S): A system that can use several sensors to determine when to activate A hardware platform to conduct testing on that could expand the current operational envelope Proof of concept to develop a concept of operations and help to inform future requirements Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

17 FUTURE CAPABILITIES AWAITING REQUIREMENTS Static Line Automatic Activation Device (SLAAD) PURPOSE: The SLAAD will provide the ability to automatically detect a malfunction with a T-11 and MC-6 Personnel Parachute and deploy the T-11 Reserve Assembly in all operational profiles, potentially saving the life of a paratrooper in a malfunction scenario. PRODUCTS/RESULT(s): With a SLAAD on each T-11 and MC-6 Parachute systems, injury and/or death to a paratrooper experiencing a malfunctions could be avoided by detecting malfunctions earlier in the deployment process and ensuring the Reserve Assembly is deployed. PAYOFF(s): Up to 3 fatalities have occurred during the last 5 years which noted the Reserve Assembly was either not deployed or deployed too late. This was attributed to jumper inexperience and lack of situational awareness. With a SLAAD, the Reserve Assembly would be automatically deployed upon determination of a malfunctioned canopy using performance data collected during the jump operation, potentially saving the life of a paratrooper Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

18 FUTURE CAPABILITIES AWAITING REQUIREMENTS Helicopter Sling Load Stability Improvement PURPOSE: Evaluate current helicopter transportation technologies and identify methods to stabilize suspended payloads Increase aircraft speed while transporting a suspended payload. PRODUCTS/RESULT(s): Helicopter sling load stability systems prototype Technical Drawing Package documenting the prototype NSN for prototype equipment Air worthiness release for testing the stability concept on army aircraft Flight test reports documenting various payloads and the potential increased air speed achieved Draft manuals on rigging and inspection of the stability device to various payloads Unit level test procedure to identify serviceable HSL equipment from unserviceable equipment PAYOFF(s): This project will develop and test a system that will stabilize suspended payloads while under a helicopter, allowing for a greater operational reach, decrease time to targets, decrease exposure to enemy threats and fuel savings while conducting a helicopter sling load mission Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

19 FUTURE CAPABILITIES AWAITING REQUIREMENTS Airdrop of Up To 80,000 LBS PURPOSE: Evaluate past and current techniques that will allow for increase weight to be airdropped from a C-17, design equipment to meet the requirements for airdrop up to 80,000 lbs and test the equipment in an operationally relevant environment. PRODUCTS/RESULT(s): Limited user derived requirements Small scale test documentation and prototypes Design reports Full scale prototype Proof load test reports Air Force approved proposed test plan (PTP) allowing for 80,000 lbs airdrop Drop test reports Draft manuals required to inspect, rig and use the designed equipment PAYOFF(s): Reduction in required drop zone lengths Reduced number of aircraft to conduct heavy payload airdrop Increased airdrop capability for C-17 aircraft The ability to airdrop up to 80,000 lbs, which is increased from 42,000 lbs Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

20 FUTURE CAPABILITIES AWAITING REQUIREMENTS Joint Precision Aerial Delivery Systems 4,000 LBS (JPADS 4K) PURPOSE: Develop a Joint Precision Aerial Delivery System (JPADS) capable of bridging the gap in payload weight range between JPADS 2k (700 2,200 lb.) and JPADS 10k (5,000 10,000 lb.) PRODUCTS/RESULT(s): Parachute system capable of delivering 2,220 4,500 lb. total rigged weight Horizontal offset of ~23 km from a release altitude of 25,000 ft. MSL Delivery of system within 150 m of intended target 80% of the time PAYOFF(s): Provides users with additional precision aerial delivery capability so they receive supplies when and where they need them Reuse of many components from the JPADS 2k Modular Airborne Guidance Unit (AGU) decreases logistics costs Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

21 FUTURE CAPABILITIES AWAITING REQUIREMENTS Vision Navigation in GPS Denied Environments PURPOSE: Advance the state-of-the-art in autonomously guided cargo airdrop for payloads from 10 lbs to 42 klbs by providing a robust source of navigation data independent of the availability or quality of GPS information Enhance existing cargo payload resupply capability in remote and hostile environments where GPS navigation is not reliable. Provide greater situation awareness to decrease collateral damage during airdrop cargo resupply while increasing system accuracy and payload survivability PRODUCTS/RESULT(s): Avionics hardware and software algorithms that exploit high contrast terrain features to develop a robust dataset, enabling autonomous Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) functionality in GPS denied or degraded areas This technology results in a blended data solution, taking advantage of all available sensor sources to produce very reliable input data. After a brief initialization at the time of release from the aircraft, successful navigation is achieved without further need of GPS while running software algorithms for autonomous cargo system guidance until ground impact. Recognition and tracking of land features allowing for terrain mapping, enhanced situational awareness and positioning of cargo system in relation to impact point. PAYOFF(s): This technology expands the operational footprint of the warfighter by providing accurate and reliable resupply in areas of degraded GPS reception, including urban environments, and in mission scenarios involving adversaries with the capability to jam or spoof GPS. TOP LFFT: Zoomed Satellite Map; TOP RIGHT: Warped Camera Image; BOTTOM LEFT: Full Satellite Map Tile Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

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23 FACILITIES Roller Load Test Facility (RLTF) OVERVIEW: The Roller Load Test Facility (RLTF) is equipped with a 34 foot I-beam frame supporting 160 instrumented rollers (bi-directional, C-17) that can be positioned for C-17 (airdrop/logistics) and C-130 (J&H) aircraft roller configurations. This one-of-a kind facility, in conjunction with NSRDEC s Airdrop Certification Program, provides the Air Force s Air Transportability Test Loading Activity (ATTLA) the proofloads and roller load data required for Air Transport Certification. DESCRIPTION: The RLTF provides restraint testing of airdrop/air transport platforms, meeting the requirements described in MIL-DTL F, MIL-STD-814D and MIL-HDBK- 669/1791, by using the 100K-lb capacity hydraulic piston and two 30K-lb capacity gantry cranes (each with two hooks (15K-lb capacity)).the 40 ton capacity Drop Tower (crane hook maximum height is 37.5-ft), with an oversized block, is capable of releasing payloads (impact testing) up to its rated capacity. In addition to drop testing, steel weights of various sizes totaling 75K-lbs are utilized for the ballasting of containers, frames, platforms, shelters, etc., for CG and proof-load tests. Dynamic testing is routinely requested on torso dummies (300-lb) for extraction/rescue belts & vests, tether lines and personnel parachute harnesses/ hardware and systems (both functional and investigative). Unique dynamic tests have also been developed to meet applications not attainable elsewhere for contractor items under NSRDEC s Test Service Agreements (TSA). Additional capabilities include a Slide Impact Test that uses a 55-ft cable oriented at 45-degrees for testing personnel parachutist s lowering line items (e.g. PDB, ALICE and MOLLE Packs). A required impact velocity of ft. /sec is monitored and captured using digital high-speed video at 1000 frames/sec. In addition, high-speed cameras are utilized during testing to analyze and document actions that occur faster than the human eye can distinguish. Aircraft-Representative Rollers Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

24 FACILITIES Airdrop and Helicopter Sling Load (HSL) Certification PURPOSE: Before equipment and supplies can be operationally delivered by airdrop or transported by sling load, it must be determined that the material being delivered can withstand the stresses of the airdrop environment and not pose a threat to the delivery aircraft and crew. NSRDEC is the DoD Certification agency for HSL and the Army Certification agency for Cargo Airdrop. However, NSRDEC is recognized throughout DoD as the SME for Cargo Airdrop and as a result supports Airdrop Certification efforts for the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps materiel. PRODUCTS/RESULT(S): Certification involves, development of rigging procedures, ensuring compliance with MIL-STD s, design guidance, determining test requirements, review of test data and issuance of certification. Certification means that an item has an airdrop and/or HSL capability. PAYOFF(S): Certification ensures that the crew of the delivery aircraft is never put at risk by the airdrop process. Published rigging procedures in Field Manuals (QMC&S). Structure and Provisions meet MIL-STDs Mission Safety Certified materiel has airdrop and/or HSL mission capability Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

25 FACILITIES Ram-Air Parachute Wind Tunnel Testing PURPOSE: The research will focus on investigating the aerodynamic characteristics of ram-air parachutes including studying new concepts to improve performance of these systems as well as understanding the material properties that alter parachutes performance. PRODUCTS/RESULT(S): The specific objectives of this project is to collect and analyze basic aerodynamic data from ram-air parachutes that can quantify some aspects of the performance of these systems. Data to be collected include aerodynamic forces for different canopy configurations, inflated parachute shape, near-field flow characteristics on the canopy, and changes to material properties of the canopy. These objectives will be achieved through full-scale parachute testing in the 80-ft x 120-ft wind tunnel at the National Full-scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC) as well as model testing at other wind tunnel facilities. PAYOFF(S): This data will aid in the development of future parachute systems in addition to providing experimental data to validate analytical models and simulations of ram-air parachutes. The research will also assess specific technologies used to enhance the performance of the ram-air parachutes. The data should transition to the Precision Airdrop Enhancement (PAE) team to improve accuracy performance on these systems. Specific test data will also provide knowledge about how fabric permeability changes affect the performance of the parachute which is useful for considering extending service life of personnel parachutes Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue Aerial Delivery Directorate

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28 CONTACT INFORMATION Please submit your comments, questions, and ideas to: You may also contact us at: U.S. Army Natick Soldier RD&E Center Aerial Delivery Directorate 10 General Greene Avenue Natick, MA 01760

29 2016 Commercial Phone: DSN: U.S. Army Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue U.S. Army Natick Soldier RD&E Center Aerial Delivery Directorate RDNS-SEW 10 General Greene Avenue Natick, MA Aerial Delivery Directorate Aerial Delivery Directorate Catalogue 2016 NATICK PAM ##-## 1st Edition, August 2016 Approved for public release; distribution unlimited REV OPSEC U16-###