A/A37A-11 CARGO TOWPLATE SYSTEM

The A/A37A-11 Cargo Towplate System is used to initiate Low Velocity Airdrop (LVAD), Container Delivery System (CDS) and Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System (LAPES) airdrops. Single or multiple platform loads weighing up to 42,000 pounds are extracted by parachute from C-130, C-5 aircraft flying at 130 knots.

A drogue parachute towed behind the aircraft deploys the extraction parachutes at the drop point. This ensures rapid and positive inflation of the extraction parachutes to improve drop accuracy, reliability and aircrew safety. The Towplate System provides the following:

• Retains the drogue parachute in tow
• Transfers the drogue pull force to the main extraction parachutes when actuated electrically from the cockpit or mechanically by the loadmaster in the cargo compartment
• Jettisons the drogue parachute, if needed, through mechanical control by the loadmaster