Parachute with improved gliding features

A method of operating a ram-air parachute system, the method comprising:

• providing a ram-air parachute system comprising:
• upper and lower airfoil surface members;
• at least two proximal wall members extending between proximal edges of the upper and lower airfoil surface members, each proximal wall member extending distally and away from a longitudinal center of the parachute system;
• at least one distal wall member extending between distal edges of the upper and lower airfoil surface members;
• a plurality of interior wall members positioned within a space at least partially bounded by the upper and lower airfoil surface members;
• a plurality of proximal-facing air inlets defined between the interior wall members and the upper and lower airfoil surface members;
• a plurality of edge airfoils defined between the proximal wall members and at least a portion of the upper airfoil surface member, the lower airfoil surface member and the at least one distal wall member;
• a first inflatable winglet positioned at a first lateral end of the parachute system;
• and
• a second inflatable winglet positioned at a second lateral end of the parachute system;
• directing air into the edge airfoils via the proximal-facing air inlets to inflate the edge airfoils;
• and
• inflating at least one of the first and second inflatable winglets.

A ram-air parachute system comprising:

• upper and lower airfoil surface members;
• at least two proximal wall members extending between proximal edges of the upper and lower airfoil surface members, each proximal wall member extending distally and away from a longitudinal center of the parachute system;
• at least one distal wall member extending between distal edges of the upper and lower airfoil surface members;
• a plurality of interior wall members positioned within a space at least partially bounded by the upper and lower airfoil surface members;
• a plurality of proximal-facing air inlets defined between the interior wall members and the upper and lower airfoil surface members;
• a plurality of edge airfoils defined between the proximal wall members and at least a portion of the upper airfoil surface member, the lower airfoil surface member and the at least one distal wall member, the edge airfoils in fluidic communication with the proximal-facing air inlets such that air may flow into the edge airfoils via the proximal-facing air inlets and inflate the edge airfoils;
• a first inflatable winglet positioned at a first lateral end of the parachute system, the first inflatable winglet comprising an outflow opening configured to permit a flow of air to flow through the first inflatable winglet;
• a second inflatable winglet positioned at a second lateral end of the parachute system, the second inflatable winglet comprising an outflow opening configured to permit a flow of air to flow through the second inflatable winglet;
• and
• a plurality of airflow control devices positioned between one of the first and second inflatable winglets and the edge airfoils adjacent the first and second winglets, the plurality of airflow control devices being configured to selectively permit air to flow into the first and second inflatable winglets from the edge airfoils adjacent thereto.