Unconventional Airdrop Missions Military airdrop was originally developed during World War II to resupply troops on the ground who were otherwise isolated from friendly contact. Supplies typically included items such as ammunition, clothing, food, and other rations. Airdrop later developed into the delivery of cargo, larger supplies such as tanks, and weapons. The bombs dropped …
What are the basics of airdrop? First utilized during World War II, airdrop has become a useful tool in times of war and peace alike. Airdrop was initially used to resupply troops on the ground who were otherwise isolated from friendly contact. Ammunition, clothing and rations were among the supplies airdropped. The basic principle of …
The Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules The C-130 Hercules, named after the mythical Greek hero, is the US Air Force’s principal tactical cargo and personnel transport aircraft. The C-130 has fulfilled a wide range of both peaceful and war situations since its initial production in 1954. The original C-130, and variations of the aircraft since then, …
What is HUSL: Helicopter Underslung Load? An Underslung Load, or sometimes called external lift, is a method for airlifting over sized cargo by carrying it beneath a helicopter. It is used to transport everything from vehicles, weapons, containers, food and general equipment. This method requires special equipment like strops/pendants, slings or cargo nets. This underslung …
The Quartermaster Corps and Early Aerial Delivery With the 1947 separation of the Army and Navy it was decided that the parachute packing, maintenance and equipment repair, along with research and training development would be the mission of the United States Army. The mission was assigned to Quartermaster Corps, the Army’s oldest logistics branch. This …
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Airdrop and the birth of the US Air Force In the beginning of the Army paratrooper movement most paratroopers packed and maintained their parachute themselves. As World War II took its course and the airborne units continued to rapidly expand, the need for a parachute packing course increased. By the time five new Airborne divisions …
Types of Military Jumps Parachutes are a critical technology used by the military in delivering personnel and cargo supplies. The United States formed its first parachute test platoon of airborne infantry in the 1940’s. Since then parachuting technology has continually advanced as well as the way in which paratroopers jump from an aircraft. There are …
What is Joint Precision Airdrop? A precision airdrop is simply a science and technology effort directed at increasing cargo airdrop accuracy and survivability from high altitudes. U.S. military services have combined resources in an effort to pursue the Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS). JPADS integrates the Army’s Extended Glide Airdrop System (PEGASYS) with the Air …
What is a Loadmaster? A loadmaster is an active aircrew member who is responsible for loading and unloading cargo, vehicles and people on aircrafts and aircraft systems. It is important that a loadmaster has a good mathematical mind in order to accurately plan and arrange the cargo on the aircraft and ensure the comfort and …
What is Aerial Delivery? Aerial delivery is another term for the air drop of cargo, vehicle, equipment, and even people to a desired location on the ground. Because most threats to the military are on the ground, modern technology lends itself to aircraft airdrop at high altitudes and out of harm’s way. It allows a …