Parafoil steady turn response to control input

Parafoil vehicles in maneuvering flight differ significantly from other, wconventional", aircraft types in that control input produces turn rate, rather than roll rate, and also in that turning is associated with side-slip or "skidw. The case of a steady turn is analyzed. Expressions for turn response to control input are derived, based on a linearized (constant coefficient) model. Aerodynamic coefficients of a typical parafoil, calculated using a discrete vortex computer program, are tabulated for use in example turn calculations. The program and details of the model geometry are discussed. Examples are calculated, illustrating the effects of scale and wing loading on turn and turn radius. rate