Dropping supplies to troops is often a matter of luck: there is no way of
ensuring they will land in the right place. But now researchers at the US Army’s
Soldier Systems centre in Natick, Massachusetts have developed a robotic
parafoil that will steer itself to a target area, landing within just 100 metres
regardless of wind conditions. Parafoils are wing-shaped parachutes and can use
lift to travel considerable lateral distances. Some travel three kilometres for
every one km of altitude—or 32 km from a typical drop altitude. An onboard
GPS system keeps track of the parafoil’s position and uses its control cords to
adjust its descent trajectory.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Test moderators use AI-generated writing to judge literacy standards
News
Mind
THC in cannabis may reduce nightmares in people with PTSD
News
Environment
Fishers detonate a bomb every hour on one Indonesian coral reef
News
Environment
How bad is the UK drought and how long will it continue?
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles