a guided parafoil system for delivering lightweight payloads provides an accurate , small and low - cost delivery system for small payloads such as chemical sensor packages . the delivery system is adapted to fit along with the payload within a standardized canister . the delivery system includes a parafoil and a guidance control system that includes a global positioning system receiver and an electronic compass to detect a deviation and bearing from a desired target . the parafoil is guided by a single motor that turns the parafoil in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the current direction of travel in response to deviations detected from a desired course . the desired course is initially linear until the system reaches a predetermined horizontal radius from the target and then the course becomes a circular path around and above the target .