SHERPA

Precision Aerial Delivery System

The most widely trusted family of guided aerial delivery systems

The Sherpa™ Precision Aerial Delivery System (PADS) is a versatile, rugged, and easy to use guided parachute delivery system designed to autonomously deliver cargo from high altitudes and substantial lateral distances to a predetermined, small-area drop zone. The Sherpa™ system is easily integrated with standard container systems used in aerial delivery, and capable of being deployed from fixed and rotary wing cargo delivery aircraft.

Unlike traditional round parachute delivery systems, the Sherpa™ uses a programable HALO/HAHO drogue delay, coupled with a state-of-the-art guidance and navigation control system, to achieve a high-level of landing accuracy without the need for dangerous low-level aircraft flight – enabling cargo delivery in hard to reach areas, outside the reach of typical MANPADS.

MMIST offers two Airborne Guidance Units (AGUs) variants – Ranger and Provider – which can be paired with different ram-air parachute systems, enabling the deployment of cargo from 100 to 7,500 lbs using a single AGU, simplifying asset and spares management.

Datasheet

Applications

Military Operations

Precise and reliable delivery of essential equipment and high-value or critical cargo including food, kit and medical supplies to resupply troops in remote or hostile environments, enhancing military operational efficiency and readiness.

Disaster Relief

Efficient and timely delivery of emergency aid and critical supplies to disaster-stricken areas, operating in unstable conditions where lost or damaged infrastructure renders traditional delivery methods unfeasible.

Humanitarian Response

In conflict zones with limited safe landing areas, the Sherpa™ system’s precise, autonomous flights ensure aid reaches intended recipients, reducing supply risks and minimizing the need for manned aircraft in hazardous environments.

Commercial Logistics

Revolutionizing logistics and supply chain management with streamlined, autonomous delivery methods, supporting commercial cargo delivery and industries such as mining, oil and gas, and remote research applications.

The Sherpa™ Advantage

Exceptional Accuracy: The Sherpa™ PADS leverages advanced GPS technology (with a GPS denied capability expected soon), coupled with sophisticated flight control algorithms to achieve unparalleled delivery precision – ensuring payloads are delivered exactly where intended, minimizing the risk of loss or damage, and enhancing mission success.
Standoff Delivery & Survivability : Airdrops at low altitudes and slower speeds make aircraft vulnerable to enemy ground fire. Sherpa™ improves safety and aircraft survivability by enabling standoff and high-altitude drops, creating distance between personnel and ground hazard zones.
Autonomous Operation: Fully autonomous capable, Sherpa™ can operate with minimal human intervention, adapting to real-time conditions, reducing operational workload and enhancing personnel safety.

Versatile and Modular: Sherpa’s modular design easily adapts to accommodate various parachute canopies and payloads, making it suitable for a wide range of mission profiles and logistical needs. Payloads ranging from a 100 lbs package to a 7,500 lbs combat vehicle can be deployed using a single AGU, providing our customers with unparalleled operational flexibility.
Robust and Reliable: Designed and built to withstand the harsh environments and rigorous operational demands of precision aerial delivery, Sherpa™ is constructed to ensure reliable mission performance, giving mission planners, operators and ground crews peace-of mind.
Rapid Deployment: Sherpa™ is engineered for rapid setup and deployment, pairing seamlessly with SkyLink™, LaunchPADS™, and Drop Sondes to ensure swift, timely delivery of essential supplies in critical situations.

Key Performance Characteristics

Modular design – single Autonomous Guidance Unit (AGU) able to support multiple parachute systems
- Ranger: 100-1200 lbs (700 & 1200 parachute system)
- Provider: 100-7500 lbs (700, 1200, 2200 & 7500 parachute system)
Smaller and lighter Airborne Guidance Unit (AGU) than our competition
Deployable from 3,500′ AGL to 29,000 ft MSL
Integrable with most aerial cargo payloads (CDS, 463L, Type-V, ECDS, LCC, Combat Expendable Platform, Custom Payloads, etc.)
Better than 100m CEP landing accuracy
Compatible with a variety of embedded radios and commercial GNSS receiver constellations
Selectable automated log file erase and render un-usable to prevent unauthorized access
Compatible with cargo, personnel, or combination cargo/personnel missions
Compatible with the entire suite of MMIST aerial delivery and insertion products
- LaunchPADS™ Mission Management System
- SkyLink™ Parachutist Situational Awareness / Sherpa Remote Control
- Drop Sondes Meteorological Data Collection