Use of Agile Methodologies to Develop Robust and Supportable Parachute Systems for the U.S. DoD

Abstract

The following paper outlines the Agile Methodology used by Airborne Systems' Research and Development organization to develop robust, reliable, and supportable personnel parachute and precision airdrop systems for the U.S. DoD. The methodology, encompassing both software and hardware (parachute and electro-mechanical) development and testing is inclusive of the ballistic parachutes, high performance ram air parafoils, guidance navigation and control (GN&C) flight software, and avionics. Iterative and highly collaborative Agile development methodologies are widely employed in both commercial and DoD programs for a number of reasons, in particular the need for developers to respond quickly to evolving requirements and requirements which necessitate innovative solutions. NomenclatureAGU = Airborne Guidance Unit BDUP = Big Design Up Front CDR = Critical Design Review CMMI = Capability Maturity Model Integration DoD = Department of Defense DZ = Drop Zone HWIL = Hardware In The Loop JPADS = Joint Precision Airdrop Systems JPADS-MP = Joint Precision Airdrop Systems-Mission Planner LVADS = Low Velocity Airdrop System GN&C = Guidance, Navigation and Control GPS = Global Positioning System PD-PLDC = Plan Driven Product Development Lifecycle PDR = Preliminary Design Review PM-FSS = Product Manager-Force Sustainment Systems R&D = Research and Development SAASM = Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module S&T = Science and Technology YPG = Yuma Proving Ground