Challenges DRISHTI
Design and Development of a Proximity Sensor for Paratrooping and Skydiving
The challenge aims to design and develop a compact, lightweight, rugged and reliable proximity sensor capable of providing real time alerts to paratroopers regarding proximity to ground, buildings or other hard surfaces during descent and landing, irrespective of jumper posture and environmental conditions.
Design requirement of Altimeter:
1. The Proximity Sensor shall be designed to assist paratroopers during descent and landing by providing advance warning of proximity to ground, buildings or other hard surfaces.
2. The sensor shall operate over an altitude range of 0 m to 300 m Above Ground Level (AGL).
3. The sensor shall be capable of real time detection of hard surfaces including land, buildings and other obstacles within a detection range from 300 m.
4. Upon detection of ground or hard surfaces, the sensor shall generate a clear, timely and unambiguous audible alert to the paratrooper.
5. The sensor shall function effectively under all operational weather and environmental conditions, including:
• Day and night operations
• Fog, dust and haze
• High wind conditions
• Other adverse climatic conditions
6. The sensor shall be compact, lightweight and of small form factor, suitable for use by paratroopers without restricting movement or affecting safety.
7. The sensor shall be rugged, shock-proof and water-resistant, capable of withstanding operational stresses during airborne operations and landing impact.
8. The sensor shall have low power consumption and shall be powered by an internal battery with sufficient backup to support the complete duration of a jump, including contingency margins.
9. The sensor shall reliably detect proximity to hard surfaces irrespective of the paratrooper posture or orientation during descent.
