US Marines are now testing in Irak a GPS-guided cargo parachute called the Sherpa Autonomous Parafoil Delivery System.

So far, the Marines had to fly low, around 2000 feet, to make sure the goods are delivered accurately. And they have to do it fast, to make sure they don’t get hit with enemy fire. Sherpa’s satellite-enabled accuracy lets the Marines cargo plane fly slower and higher — up to 25,000 feet.

A GPS computer calculates everything from winds, direction of flight, target coordinates, altitude and other information to deliver food and supplies on the designated area.

From DefenseTech, via del.icio.us/mike_starhill