New Parachute Rescue Systems Introduced for Multicopter UAVs

By Mike Ball / 14 Oct 2018

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

Drone Rescue parachute system

Drone Rescue, a developer of parachute rescue systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), has announced the launch of its latest systems, the DRS-5 and DRS-10.

The DRS-5 parachute rescue system is designed for multicopters with a total weight of up to 8 kg. The system consists of a carbon cage in which the parachute is stored, as well as the associated electronics. These electronics, including the sensors, monitor the flight status of a drone, independent of the flight controller. A sophisticated algorithm merges this sensor data, through which an automatic crash detection can be realized. In an emergency the pilot no longer needs to react and press an eject button, which is often not possible due to e.g. a failure of the radio link. The algorithm reacts faster than the pilot, ejecting the parachute itself. All flight data and movements are recorded in a Black Box. In an emergency these can be read out at the request of the customer and made available to insurance companies or authorities.

“Our goal is to ensure, that even in an emergency Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), the drone can be safely intercepted. With our parachute system that is always possible, due to the electronics that are completely separate and independent of the flight controller. In addition, our system has the advantage that it manages completely without explosive, pyrotechnical solutions. Consequently we have a system that is considerably lighter, and functions even in a worst case scenario,” elaborated Andreas Ploier, CEO and co-founder of Drone Rescue Systems GmbH.

The reliability of the system has been verified in extensive tests by Joanneum Aeronautics in Graz. In the framework of the tests 100 flights were conducted, during which the parachute system was ejected. Half of the flights were conducted with a DJI F550 weighing 1.6 kg. The rest of the tests were performed with the 3.8 kg Vulture, which was developed by Joanneum. In both cases the DRS-5 was attached to the side of the main body of the drone. In each of the tests the parachute was ejected at a height of 30 m. Every test was documented. Furthermore, the data were saved both in the flight controller as well as in the DRS-5 sensor system. After every 10th test the parachute system was subjected to a visual examination and checked for possible damage or wear.

“After conclusion of the tests it can be recorded, that all 100 flights were successfully completed,” said Ploier. “In every test the multicopter landed safely. Thereby, the kinetic energy was significantly below the limit of 79 J. Therefore all requirements specified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) were observed.”

Drone Rescue has also developed the structurally identical DRS-10, which is designed for multicopters with a total weight between 5 and 20 kg. “The DRS-10 system functions exactly the same as the DRS-5 and falls back on the same components. These are constructed identically, just oriented for a higher payload. The functioning method of both parachute systems is identical,” stated Ploier.

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Field-Tested: How Far Can the Dronetag RIDER Really Detect?

Dronetag’s latest video sees the RIDER Remote ID receiver put to the test, revealing its real-world detection range and previewing the new generation of Drone Scanner

May 20, 2025
Final Call to Apply for GENIUS NY Program

The application window for GENIUS NY, the premier uncrewed systems accelerator, closes May 28th. Learn about this incredible opportunity and explore how GENIUS NY champions innovation as the official XPO+ Launcher sponsor, at XPO Booth 3613

May 20, 2025
WISPR Systems Partners to Advance American-Made UAV Technology

WISPR Systems and NW Blue are joining forces to showcase advanced drone platforms designed for real-world applications, built on American-made innovation and reliability

May 20, 2025
Iridium Introduces 9603 ESBD Module for Secure Government Messaging

Iridium Communications Inc. is launching a U.S. government-specific version of its 9603 module, featuring Enhanced Short Burst Data (ESBD) for secure, low-latency mobile messaging across global defense networks

May 20, 2025
Elistair Awarded Contract to Supply Tethered Drones for Greek Fire Service

Elistair has secured a contract to supply tethered drone systems for integration into Greece’s Mobile Operations Centers, enhancing disaster response capabilities

May 20, 2025
Sunhillo to Deliver Surveillance Data Fusion for BVLOS Test Bed

Sunhillo Corporation has joined ResilienX to support the SAFE-T initiative in Tulsa, delivering surveillance data solutions for autonomous aviation development

May 20, 2025

Featured Content

Final Call to Apply for GENIUS NY Program

The application window for GENIUS NY, the premier uncrewed systems accelerator, closes May 28th. Learn about this incredible opportunity and explore how GENIUS NY champions innovation as the official XPO+ Launcher sponsor, at XPO Booth 3613

May 20, 2025
WarrenUAS Secures FAA 44807 Exemption, Expanding Large UAS Training Capabilities

WarrenUAS has received FAA 44807 approval to train students on unmanned aerial systems weighing over 55 pounds in the NAS, placing it among only five U.S. organizations with this clearance, and expanding its national training leadership

May 15, 2025
Product Spotlight: Durable Lightweight Lithium-Ion Batteries for UAVs

American Lithium Energy (ALE)'s energy-dense lithium-ion battery cells combine high power output with built-in safety features, ideal for UAV and eVTOL applications in challenging environments

May 14, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.