MC-130 Airdrop Theory

Question 1

Stabilization

Answer 1

Stabilization is the point in the drop sequence where the rate-of-fall is within 10% of the constant standard day sea level rate-of-fall for that particular load

Most concerned with stabilization altitude

Question 2

Forward Travel Time / Distance

Answer 2

FTT = ET (exit time) + DQ (decceleration quotient)

FTT is converted to distance using Formula G: GS/1.78 = FTD/FTT

Question 3

Airdrop Error Factors

Answer 3

Weather:

• Temperature
• Barometric Pressure
• Wind Shear

Aircrew Induced:

• Altitude
• Airspeed
• Track
• Pitch

Question 4

High-Velocity Vector - Time-of-Fall

Answer 4

High-velocity vector time-of-fall is the elapsed time, in seconds, from stabilization altitude to acuation altitude.

Question 5

Airdrop Ballistics Diagram

Answer 5

Question 6

Vertical Distance

Answer 6

VD is the distance, in feet, a load falls after exiting the aircraft prior to stabilization

• Distance from drop altitude to the point at which stabilization will occur for standard atmospheric conditions
• Load survivability?

**VD for HVCDS minimum drop altitude is VD plus 100 ft

Question 7

High-Velocity Vector - Fall Distance

Answer 7

High-velocity vector fall distance is the distance, in feet, the parachutist / load descends from stabilization to actuation of the second stage recovery system

Question 8

How does the environment temperature effect AD

Answer 8

As temperature increases:

• These decrease
  
  • Indicated Alt
  • Time of fall
  • Total time of fall
  • Drift effect
• These increase
  
  • True airspeed
  • Ground speed
  • Foward travel distance
  • Rate of fall