In the article below, ParaZero outlines the crucial role of crane testing for real-world parachute evaluation, detailing the importance of reducing damage to costly aircraft and monitoring key parameters with the company’s SmartAir Pro flight computer.
ParaZero’s commitment to safety drives us to innovate and push beyond even our own boundaries. Recently, we embarked on a thrilling series of crane tests to evaluate the effectiveness of various parachutes designed for heavy platforms.
Why deploy a 400-hundred-foot crane and drop thousands of pounds from it? Here is a short explanation:
The only way to test the efficiency of a parachute is to test it in the real world. For aircraft weighing over 44 lbs (20 kg), using a very tall crane is an industry-leading method to gather the valid data which ensures the parachute’s reliability.
Heavy aircraft, like the ones we are testing for in this video, can cost anywhere from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars and represent a significant investment.
Damaging such aircraft during testing can halt R&D for months and increase expenses significantly, making a safe and effective testing method, like the crane, crucial.
Our innovative approach involves using a crane to test representative aircraft weights, enabling our engineering teams to evaluate parachute systems without risking the actual aircraft being tested for. The materials we are using to create the representative aircraft weights are inexpensive and reusable, allowing us to perform multiple tests efficiently each day.
Equipped with over 10 different sensors, our SmartAir Pro flight computer monitors key parameters such as velocity, altitude, acceleration, angle, air pressure, and more. Additionally, the crane itself also carries sensors to ensure precise control of the testing environment.
Collectively, all of the sensors that we monitor help us precisely calculate the minimum safe altitude, average descent rate, and terminal velocity parameters that are crucial for safe drone operations.
We take data collection seriously, that’s the reason that on top of the sensors, the entire experiment is filmed from multiple angles using 5 on-platform cameras, 4 ground cameras, and 2 aerial cameras. This comprehensive coverage ensures we capture every detail for thorough analysis.
Our advanced magnetic release mechanism is another highlight. It guarantees safe release, can carry several tons, and can handle multiple platforms at once, releasing them one by one as needed.
Through these detailed and controlled tests, we ensure the highest safety standards for our parachute systems are reached. By pioneering advanced crane testing methods, we ensure that our parachute systems are reliable and effective, safeguarding valuable assets and pushing the boundaries of innovation.