Question for C-130 and C-17 Drivers
05-19-2014, 02:28 PM
#1
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Question for C-130 and C-17 Drivers
Hi,
I'm a civilian guy, but had a question which the military folks will know the answer to (pretty sure).
Wondering if either of those two planes still use (or practice using) the low level parachute extraction system that pulls the pallet out the cargo door during a low pass. That still happen or not so much?
I'm a civilian guy, but had a question which the military folks will know the answer to (pretty sure).
Wondering if either of those two planes still use (or practice using) the low level parachute extraction system that pulls the pallet out the cargo door during a low pass. That still happen or not so much?
05-19-2014, 05:19 PM
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Air Force C-130s stopped doing it after a crash at Pope AFB in July 1987. Google it and you'll find the video on YouTube. I believe C-17s have tested the capability, don't know if they actually train to it currently or not.
05-19-2014, 05:28 PM
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LAPES continued a little bit into the early 90s. I think it stopped around '93 or '94. I remember guys going through the training when it ended. LAPES required a fairly long prepared extraction zone (EZ), not necessarily a runway. But they realized the amount of work necessary for a good EZ, with a little more work they could build a landing zone and or survey a drop zone and get more stuff delivered with less damage than LAPES.
05-20-2014, 03:53 AM
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Thanks... That crash video is what got me thinking about it.
Seems to make sense that a runway is just a hop skip and jump away from and EZ. Only thing that comes to mind is exposure to incoming fire. But then again I guess most of our "modern" enemies aren't usually sophisticated enough to seriously threaten an airfield.
Seems to make sense that a runway is just a hop skip and jump away from and EZ. Only thing that comes to mind is exposure to incoming fire. But then again I guess most of our "modern" enemies aren't usually sophisticated enough to seriously threaten an airfield.
05-20-2014, 07:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Hrkdrivr
LAPES continued a little bit into the early 90s. I think it stopped around '93 or '94.
Originally Posted by ChinookDriver47
In the rotor-world we still actively use LCLA drops. Done many of them in Afghanistan.
So, the practice is still around, but just on a smaller scale.
So, the practice is still around, but just on a smaller scale.
Originally Posted by Mooseflyer88
It was my understanding that the Army no longer has a requirement for it, therefor we don't train for it.
The LAPES legacy lives on with anything being done using released drogues like Tow-Plate Heavy Equipment or the new High Velocity CDS. It's just the altitudes are a bit different.
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