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More info on the SnowGoose: http://www.mmist.ca/SnowGoose.aspMMIST CQ-10A SnowGoose
Type
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Cargo, Communications, ISR)
National Stock Number (NSN) CQ-10A SnowGoose: NSN1550-01-505-3010
Development
U.S Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) launched a program intended to acquire a Wind Supported Aerial Delivery System (WSADS) for aerial delivery of leaflets. The air launched WSADS offers precise delivery of leaflets and reduced risk to aircrew and transport aircraft. Mist Mobility Integrated Systems Technology’s (MMIST) SnowGooseTM/MC, a version of the company’s SherpaTM/MC guided parafoil system, was chosen after initial trials and is now formally designated the “CQ-10A SnowGoose”TM/MC.
In conjunction with the US Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems (UAVS) office, an Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) was established called Air Launched Extended Range Transporter (ALERT). The ACTD goal was to upgrade and demonstrate the basic WSADS with multiple existing non-developmental payloads such as: EO/IR cameras, communication relays, metrological sensors and drop sondes.
In addition to payload demonstrations, ALERT included upgrades to the basic air vehicle such as the introduction of a SATCOM data link for command and control of the air vehicle and payloads, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponder and navigation lights. A multipurpose payload interface unit was also added to the basic air vehicle configuration to allow up to 1 kW of vehicle electrical power to be shared with various payloads. All ALERT upgrades are now part of the CQ-10A SnowGooseTM/MC full rate production baseline.
A Military Utility Assessment (MUA) was conducted at Ft. Hunter Liggett, where a reserve unit operated the SnowGooseTM/MC after a three-week operators course. From a tactical operations center, multiple missions per day were flown, including nighttime recoveries. Mission highlights include a multi mission demonstration where communications relay functions were performed while simultaneously using an EO/IR camera to identify simulated pipeline saboteurs, after which spare parts were delivered within 50 m (164 feet) of intended recipients on the ground, all in a single sortie. The SnowGooseTM/MC received the highest possible rating for Combat Service Support (CSS) in the areas of communications relay, resupply and Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR).
Operator teams have used the SnowGooseTM/MC in demonstrations and training exercises to autonomously deliver vaxipaks, trauma kits, water, fuel and fragile payloads such as blood. Post delivery testing confirmed that blood products were delivered undamaged. Other applications of interest to the Army include use of the SnowGooseTM/MC as an emplacement vehicle for ISR Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS). NATO allies have also shown strong interest in the SnowGooseTM/MC as a communications relay platform.
Airframe
Central fuselage containing fuel, payload, propulsion system, guidance unit; air or ground launch parafoil; foldable landing skids.
Mission payloads
Six cargo bays (three each side) can be used to carry modular fuel bins, cargo bins or fixed electronic payloads, permitting easy trade-off between payload capacity and endurance over the full flight envelope of the aircraft. Each standard cargo bin is suitable for dispensing up to 45 kg (100 lbs) of medical supplies, food, water, leaflets, ammunition, fuel, tools, or spare/replacement parts. High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) parachutes provide low observability delivery of 45 kg (100 lbs) bundles with autonomous precision.
Optional payloads flown to date include:
EO/IR camera;
Line of sight communications relay;
Metrological sensing unit;
Wind sonde dispenser;
Security Loudspeaker;
FM radio broadcast;
Payloads to be flown by the end of 2005 include:
High capacity satellite communications link (2 Mbps);
TV broadcast;
Guidance and Control
The SnowGooseTM/MC features a fully autonomous guidance navigation and control system based on the SherpaTM/MC parachute control unit. System autonomy includes waypoint navigation, avoidance areas, air launch, landing and cargo delivery executed based upon in flight real time wind measurements.
The Airborne Guidance Unite (AGU) performs all navigation and control functions. The Flight plan is programmed on an industry-standard laptop computer with map underlay and uploaded into the AGU before launch or via the SATCOM data link.   
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