Parachute recovery systems are described from a systems perspective. Parachute recovery is particularly suited to tactical fixed wing UAV systems that require a high degree of mobility by allowing air vehicle recovery onto unprepared terrain. The descent environment is described, and the impact of wind on recovery is considered. The relative merits of cruciform, round and parafoil canopies are assessed, taking three real‐world systems as design examples. Throughout, design considerations are approached from a systems perspective, with a view to producing safe, autonomous and accurate recovery systems.

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