This paper presents an overview of the Affordable Guided Airdrop System (AGAS). AGAS is a low cost, high aititude, deployable airdrop system that will be autonomously controlled via an onboard Guidance, Navigation & Control System (GN&C). The AGAS consists of a round parachute that is controlled via four pneumatic muscle actuators (PMAs) which are connected between the system's payload and risers.
Deployable wings are needed for a variety of applications such as extended range cargo delivery, lightweight portable aircraft and gunlaunched vehicles. Inflatable structures provide a non-mechanical means for compact stowage and reliable deployment.This paper provides historical background on early examples of inflatable wings, including several early patents and the Goodyear Inflatoplane.A new approach to inflatable structures utilizes tubular spars manufactured by braiding high tenacity fibers over a thin gas barrier. Such structures can withstand high inflation pressures, which is the key to high strength before wrinkle onset. Reinforcement with high modulus fibers in the axial direction allows stiffness tailoring.The strength and stiffness equations for pressurized reinforced braided tubes are presented and discussed. These are considerably different than those found in the literature for woven fabric pressurized tubes.
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