A New Technique of Wind Estimation in Airdrop Testing

摘要

A new technique for wind estimation using a global positioning system-tracked payload under a calibrated tri-lobe canopy has been developed. Validation studies confirm the accuracy of the system to provide estimates of wind velocity to within 0.3 feet per second (ft./s.) The method has been applied for estimation of the vertical wind component, as well as the horizontal components. The parachute system, called the WindPack, is commonly deployed along with the system under test to collect real-time wind statistics used in post-processing data analysis for test parachutes.