Rogallo 30 – Gliding & Steerable Parachute

Lightweight. Steerable. Low-Bulk.

A lightweight single-surface gliding parachute for UAV recovery and other weight and volume sensitive applications.

The Rogallo 30 combines controlled forward glide, optional directional steering and landing-flare capability in a 30 m² canopy weighing approximately 900 g.

Lightweight Gliding Canopy

  • Single-surface 30 m² gliding canopy
  • Controlled forward glide during descent
  • Low sink-rate performance
  • Optional directional steering
  • Landing-flare capability
  • Lightweight construction for weight-sensitive recovery systems

Controlled Deployment

  • Compatible canopy storage and deployment bag or container
  • Clear suspension and steering line routing
  • Suitable platform clearance during extraction and inflation
  • Correct attachment or riser connections
  • Deployment conditions defined by speed, attitude and airflow
  • Sufficient altitude for opening and transition into stable glide

Directional Steering & Glide Control

  • Directional correction during descent
  • Greater influence over the glide path
  • Autonomous steering when paired with external client’s guide and steer unit.
  • Guided approach toward the landing area capability using client’s guide unit.
  • Optional steering input for landing flare
  • Control authority defined by altitude, wind, canopy loading and steering arrangement

Operational Advantages

  • Approximately 900 g canopy weight
  • 2,700 cc minimum recommended packed volume
  • Maximum stated load of 120 kg
  • Representative sink rate of 4.0 m/s at 85 kg
  • Optional steering without the complexity of a full multi-cell ram-air canopy
  • Suitable for UAV recovery and other packed-volume-sensitive applications

Performance By Size & Payload

Swipe the table sideways to compare all sizes — or download the full table below.

Technical insights & resources

Insights for recovery and protection decision-makers

Practical guidance on UAV recovery, parachute systems and protective textiles from APCO’s engineering team.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers about Rogallo parachutes, capabilities, and the way they work.

Is the Rogallo 30 steerable?

The Rogallo 30 can provide optional directional steering depending on the selected configuration. Available steering authority depends on altitude, wind, canopy loading and the steering arrangement.

What is the maximum load of the Rogallo 30?

The stated maximum load is 120 kg. Product selection should also consider deployment conditions, descent requirements, packing limits and the complete operating envelope.

What is the representative sink rate?

The representative sink rate is approximately 4.0 m/s at 85 kg. Actual descent behavior depends on suspended weight, platform aerodynamics, altitude and atmospheric conditions.

Can the Rogallo 30 flare before landing?

Landing flare is an available capability where the configuration and operating conditions support it. Effectiveness depends on forward speed, canopy loading, steering input, wind, platform stability and flare timing.

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Define the Return Condition
Your Platform Needs

Compare suspended weight, deployment conditions, required glide, steering needs, available packed volume and intended landing condition with the confirmed Rogallo 30 operating limits.