Hey Padre I was looking into a hunch with people worried about an out of control Quadcopter fa...

[G+_David Breaux Jr.]

Hey Padre I was looking into a hunch....with people worried about an out of control Quadcopter falling on them... I'm wondering if you could come up with a light setup that would deploy a gps controlled parachute system and essential return it to the launch location like the return systems some have already.   Here's where the inspiration came from...http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/2014/04/computer-parachute-airdrop.html

http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/2014/04/computer-parachute-airdrop.html

[G+_Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ]

The idea is solid, but the issue is twofold: (1) weight, (2) altitude.

 

Any system would need independent actuation, electronics, power, and (of course) the arresting system. That's not an issue with airdrop pallets weighing thousands of lbs, but a big issue for quads weighing less than 10.

 

Now THAT can be solved with clever materials, but the second problem is one of physics. We fly our craft at less than 400 feet AGL... Deploying the tech you referenced takes THOUSANDS of feet. Even of you came up with a brilliant deployment system (i.e. composed gas to rapid inflate the canopy) there isn't enough time to stabilize (remember, an out-of-control quad is likely to be spinning... And any spin must be arrested before deployment of a chute) and slow the craft to a speed that makes it safe to people on the ground.

 

With the expense and unpredictability of such a system, it would be cheaper/more feasible/more reliable to construct a N+1 craft that had no single point of failure. (For example, the 8X that I'm currently constructing.) AND to fly safely.

 

But way to think outside the box! :)?

[G+_Eddie Foy]

My config for my hex has a parachute option.  Not steerable, but could save it, as long as you still have radio connection.

[G+_David Keeler]

I would even settle for some sort of circuit that deploys a chute in case of rapid deceleration.  I was thinking of a circuit that would close if the altitude drops too quickly (based on telemetry module) that would energize and ignite a small small charge (like the starter for a rocket engine) which in turn would snap the holder for a small chute.  That way it would be 'fail safe' even if you lost radio control.