LOGISTIC GLIDERS INC. — Department of Defense STTR Phase II: ST14B-004

Description

We propose to mature LG-X glider technology by manufacturing full-scaled prototypes and characterizing them in land-based flight-testing by using commercial aircraft to drop the gliders. Validated components such as the landing parachute, folding wing mechanism, and autopilot control system will undergo integrated flight-testing. Logistic Gliders will provide a considerable cost share to support the flight tests. The LG-X glider system is a low-cost, single-use, autonomous, glider-based naval Ship to Objective Mission (STOM) logistic resupply system. An amphibious ships Air Combat Element can launch 50 gliders an hour because the MV-22 and CH-53 can carry multiple gliders simultaneously. Multiple gliders can also be carried by the KC-130, C-17, and CH-47. The LG-X glider is capable of improving throughput and throughput/cost, increasing mission radius, and reducing cost/distance while operating in time constrained scenarios and in all-weather environments without requiring air base infrastructures or air superiority. The LG-X glider can deliver sea-based supplies to several groups of Marines located at widely separated points of need without further burdening the units or telegraphing their location. Our Phase II proposal also includes obtaining the necessary approvals and flight clearances to allow LG-X deployment from military aircraft onto military test ranges.