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500 foot Low Velocity Airdrop Delivery System
(500' LVADS)
The 500-foot LVADS reduces heavy equipment airdrop altitude from a
minimum of 750 feet to 500 feet. Survivability studies indicate airdrop
altitudes above 500 feet place aircraft at a significantly greater risk
to anti-aircraft systems. A reduction in airdrop altitude of up to
60% will enhance the accuracy of aerial delivery operations, reduce
load dispersion on the drop zone, and increase aircraft and equipment
survivability.Current technology supports a 500-foot LVADS capability. The 500-foot LVADS-Medium has the potential to drop cargo between 2,200 and 22,000 pounds. The 500-foot LVADS-Heavy has the potential to drop between 20,000 to 42,000 pounds gross rigged weight cargo when deployed from aircraft at speeds of 130 to 150 KIAS. LVADS combines standard airdrop components (Type V platform, parachutes, and associated hardware) augmented with technology enhancements, to achieve precision airdrop at low levels.
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http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/equip/500-lvad.htm
Maintained by Robert Sherman
Originally created by John Pike
Updated Saturday, January 09, 1999 10:27:01 AM