Design of pressure dependent automatic activation device for cargo parachutes

Operating airdrop missions has a significant role in providing supplies to occupying groups for countries. Airdrop can be used to deliver humanitarian aid to places where the utilization of any other transportation means is impossible, and in emergency situations where replenishment needs to be carried out quickly in military. In this thesis, initially, the High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) concept will be addressed elaborately and the calculation of the release point will be described, which is very important for the success of the airdrop, then the role of pressure dependent automatic activation device on high altitude airdrop will be introduced. After that, mechanical design and electronic components of the device will be explained and the working principle of the system will be articulated. The objective of this research thesis is to provide an automatic activation device to utilize in high altitude low opening airdrop missions. The device is tested in a laboratory environment and then it is tested in the field by performing real airdrop. The results of these trials are included in this study. As a result, it has been suggested that a device with an electronic command control unit that is capable to make precise measurements and to transmit commanding signals to actuator quickly, and with a mechanical part which easy to install, does not require disposable parts and can be used repeatedly, can meet the need in this field. Additionally, this system is assumed to have shorter-term training for operators.