Another interesting use of GPS

Andreas van Hooijdonk

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Aug 22, 2004, 12:07:50 PM8/22/04

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Here is an article that describes the use of GPS-guided parachutes:
http://www.dcmilitary.com/marines/hendersonhall/9_32/features/30740-1.html

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Andreas van Hooijdonk
http://www.gps-practice-and-fun.com

Hans-Georg Michna

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Aug 22, 2004, 1:59:58 PM8/22/04

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On Sun, 22 Aug 2004 18:07:50 +0200, "Andreas van Hooijdonk"
<ahoo...@piZ.beZ (NOZ)> wrote:

>Here is an article that describes the use of GPS-guided parachutes:
>http://www.dcmilitary.com/marines/hendersonhall/9_32/features/30740-1.html

Andreas,

very interesting! Thanks.

I think the robotic part makes it particularly interesting. It
seems that GPS is a very useful technology particularly for all
kinds of transportation robots. As today's robots are still
relatively stupid, GPS is the way to go when it comes to
navigation.

Hans-Georg

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Alan Browne

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Aug 22, 2004, 2:30:55 PM8/22/04

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Andreas van Hooijdonk wrote:

> Here is an article that describes the use of GPS-guided parachutes:
> http://www.dcmilitary.com/marines/hendersonhall/9_32/features/30740-1.html

South Africa has a company with a similar product... not sure if
it has been fielded.

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-- http://www.aliasimages.com/rpe35mmur.htm
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Andreas van Hooijdonk

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Aug 22, 2004, 6:25:04 PM8/22/04

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In the air and at sea with open sky and lanes with widths of a couple of
hundreds of meters, GPS can probably do a good job in navigating a plane
or a boat. But I would not feel comfortable in a car with only GPS
guidance. Down on earth it takes more than only GPS to stay on the right
side of the right lane. Actual navigation systems guide the driver, not
the car. But at the heart of a more complex system, GPS is invaluable.

Andreas van Hooijdonk

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Aug 22, 2004, 6:25:57 PM8/22/04

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Alan Browne wrote:
> Andreas van Hooijdonk wrote:
>
>> Here is an article that describes the use of GPS-guided parachutes:
>>
http://www.dcmilitary.com/marines/hendersonhall/9_32/features/30740-1.html
>
> South Africa has a company with a similar product... not sure if
> it has been fielded.

Alan, could you find out the name?

Dave Patton

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Aug 22, 2004, 7:03:44 PM8/22/04

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"Andreas van Hooijdonk" <ahoo...@piZ.beZ (NOZ)> wrote in
news:8pudnTk-eo6...@scarlet.biz:

> Here is an article that describes the use of GPS-guided parachutes:
> http://www.dcmilitary.com/marines/hendersonhall/9_32/features/30740-1.h
> tml

http://www.mmist.ca/

Mist Mobility Integrated System Technology Inc. is a Canadian manufacturer
of Precision Guided Parachute Aerial Delivery Systems (Sherpa). MMIST has
developed innovative, robust and affordable solutions to the concept of
carrying, releasing and controlling the delivery of supplies and equipment
with Ram Air Parachutes.

There are presently three products in the Sherpa family:
- Sherpa: The Autonomous GPS Guided Parachute Delivery System
- Sherpa ManPack: The All-Weather Autonomous GPS Guided System for
Parachutists
- Powered Sherpa: The self propelled Autonomous GPS Guided Parachute
Delivery System

--
Dave Patton
Canadian Coordinator, Degree Confluence Project
http://www.confluence.org/
My website: http://members.shaw.ca/davepatton/

Hans-Georg Michna

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Aug 23, 2004, 10:32:54 AM8/23/04

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On Mon, 23 Aug 2004 00:25:04 +0200, "Andreas van Hooijdonk"
<ahoo...@piZ.beZ (NOZ)> wrote:

>In the air and at sea with open sky and lanes with widths of a couple of
>hundreds of meters, GPS can probably do a good job in navigating a plane
>or a boat. But I would not feel comfortable in a car with only GPS
>guidance. Down on earth it takes more than only GPS to stay on the right
>side of the right lane. Actual navigation systems guide the driver, not
>the car. But at the heart of a more complex system, GPS is invaluable.

Andreas,

I agree entirely. I thought more of mobile mines or similar
military applications.