450-pound recovery system

Vertigo, Inc. has been in the UAV and recovery system business for over 15 years. Our staff includes design and fabrication experts in vehicle and parachute aerodynamics, textile design and fabrication, aircraft structures, and aircraft and parachute control.

550-pound recovery system

Vertigo recovery systems have been used on UAVs from 20 to 1,600 pounds. A rocket or a spring-loaded pilot chute are used for deployment. Rocket deployed systems are preferred for situations where a propeller must be cleared and/or where the system may be deployed in unusual attitudes and/or high g’s.

Recovery systems can be based on parafoils or round parachutes, depending on the mission. Parafoil systems are steerable, allowing guided, powered flight to a targeted landing spot. Vertigo is the world-leader in mid-air retrieval of UAVs under parafoil.

Typical 550-pound Parafoil Recovery System Specifications

Maximum Recovery Weight (including Recovery System)	550 lbs.
Nominal Deployment Airspeed	60 KIAS
Maximum Deployment Airspeed	110 KIAS
Minimum Deployment Altitude (level flight)	500 ft AGL
Maximum Rate of Descent (engine off)	19 ft/sec
Steering	Servo Motor with Spool
Parafoil Deployment Method	Rocket Motor Extraction
Parafoil Turn Rate	> 3 degrees/sec
Recovery System Weight	25 lbs.
Recovery System Volume	1600 cu. in.
Parafoil Area	310 sq. ft.