Riser release flaring system for parafoils

A riser release system for a flight vehicle having a payload and a canopy, the riser release system comprising:

• a plurality of lines coupled with the canopy and the payload, wherein the lines comprise riser lines and control lines;
• and
• a release structure comprising:
• an upper portion fixedly connected to the riser lines;
• a lower portion fixedly connected to the payload;
• a coupling mechanism releasably coupling the upper portion to the lower portion and configured to cause the upper portion to separate a distance from the lower portion upon release;
• a distance control device for controlling the distance of separation of the portions;
• and
• a rate control device coupled to the release structure and configured to resist separation and control the rate of separation.

A method for landing a flight vehicle having a payload coupled with a canopy via one or more control lines and one or more riser lines, the method comprising:

• releasing a release system to increase a distance between one or more riser lines from the payload, the release system comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the one or more riser lines are fixedly connected to the upper portion;
• controlling the distance the riser lines separate from the payload;
• controlling the rate at which the one or more riser lines separate from the payload;
• and
• flaring the canopy with the one or more control lines due to an increased load on the control lines from the payload caused by release of the riser lines.