Aerial Delivery System with High Accuracy Touchdown

Abstract

Embodiments described herein provide a system and method for persistent high-accuracy payload delivery utilizing a twophase procedure during the terminal descent phase of aerial payload delivery. In the first phase a small parafoil provides aerial delivery of a payload to within a close proximity of an intended touchdown point, e.g., a target. In the second phase a target designator acquires the target and a trajectory to the target is determined. A harpoon launcher deploys a harpoon connected to the payload by an attachment line, such as a rope. A reel mechanism reels up the attachment line causing the payload to be moved to the target thus providing high accuracy touchdown payload delivery.