Principles of Airdrop Flashcards
Free Drop
Requires no parachute. Load released over the drop zone, and it free falls to the ground.
Types of Airdrops
Free Drop
High Velocity Drop
Low Velocity Drop
High Velocity Drop
Utilizing a stabilizing parachute. Rigged using an energy dissipating material, such as honeycomb attached to the underside, which absorbs the impact shock
Low Velocity Drop
One or more cargo parachutes are used to slow descent of the load and minimize landing shock.
Methods of Airdrop
Door Bundle Drop
Gravity Drop
Extraction Drop
Door Bundle Drop
The Max weight limit for a paratroop door load is 500lbs excluding the weight of the parachute. Dimensions including parachute must not exceed 48L inches by 30W inches by 66H inches. Suitable for all 3 types of airdrops.
Gravity Drop
used when dropping containers such as A-22 or A-23 cargo bag. Drop is also known as the container delivery (CDS) drop. Suitable for all 3 types of airdrops.
Extraction Drop
The load must be rigged on an airdrop platform. Once deployed, the extraction parachute overcomes the aircraft restraint rail locking mechanism and extracts the load from the AC. The extraction method is utilized for low velocity drops only.
Airdrop Platform Type V
most common used platform is the type V platform. this platform ranges from 8-32 ft in length and can accommodate upto 42,000 lbs of cargo but no less than 2520 lbs
Types of Personnel Airdrop
the quickest way to deliver combat troops is through airdrop.
Static Line
Free Fall
Static Line
the parachute on the jumpers back is connected to the AC anchor cable by means of a static line exist the AC. Occurs between 800 and 3000 ft AGL. Exit thru the troop doors but may also exit over the ramp
Free Fall
HALO or HAHO, only difference is the altitude at which the parachutes are open. Both occur at 3000ft or greater.
