Parachute Delivery System

To address healthcare disparities in remote Canadian communities, the Canadian Red Cross required a low-cost, reliable system for aerial delivery of medical supplies. The project focused on designing a passively deployable parachute system capable of safely delivering a minimum payload of 20 g from a small-scale rocket. The design had to rely solely on gravity for deployment, remain intact after landing, and meet strict height constraints (deploying ≥4 m, total altitude ≤12 m).

Figure 1 - Final assembled prototype

Approach

The team investigated multiple recovery methods (parachutes, streamers, tumbling, flexie-gliders, parawings, etc.), ultimately using a hexagonal nylon parachute due to its durability, predictable drag, and folding flexibility. Over seven iterative test launches across three weeks, the design evolved to improve apogee height, deployment consistency, and capsule durability.

Figure 2 - Parachute used in design

• Key Adjustments:

  • Added payload weight (washers) to increase apogee height.

  • Reinforced capsule with duct/electrical tape to withstand repeated impacts.

  • Developed a custom folding technique to reduce friction and ensure consistent deployment.

  • Introduced a pre-launch checklist to eliminate user error in folding and assembly.

Analysis & Modelling

• Fruity Chutes software predicted descent rates (~1.8 m/s) that matched test results.

• MATLAB simulations confirmed altitude dependency on launch pressure and mass, enabling parameter optimization.

• Free-body diagrams (FBDs) and apogee measurements validated the forces during ascent, deployment, and descent.

• Tracker video analysis showed stable gliding descent and controlled landings.

Figure 3 - Modelling of parachute deployment using MATLAB. Displaying impact of drag forces (left), 3D model (center), and pressure vs mass (right)

Figure 4 - Fruity Chutes software used to predict descent rates

Figure 5 - Tracking software used to analyze results

Final Design

The final design included a reinforced capsule, washers for weight balance (42 g payload), and a custom-folded nylon parachute secured with a single wrap to reduce friction. The system was simple, modular, and cost-effective ($6.50), ensuring reliability and ease of replacement.

In the final competition, two successful launches were achieved: both deployed above 4 m, with no components exceeding 12 m, and controlled landings without damage. The design met all client requirements and demonstrated the feasibility of low-cost, sustainable aerial delivery of medical supplies to remote areas.

Figure 6 - Images of the final parachute deployment prototype during the final competition launches.