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. Every C-130 built since 1992 has a Capewell towplate on board as original equipment.

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
  

ENHANCED CARGO TOWPLATE SYSTEM

Capewell is the prime contractor for the C-130J Hercules II, Enhanced Cargo Towplate System. Imbedded in the cargo ramp and linked to the aircraft mission computer, the Enhanced Cargo Towplate System takes aerial delivery into the next millennium. The mission computer link enables drop sequences to be pre-programmed and initiated automatically. Positive lock engagement of the tow link permits drop airspeeds to be increased, which increases aircraft survivability.

C-130 E and H operators will be able to retrofit the all new system and gain the benefits of improved precision and integrated simplicity.