FAS |
Military |
DOD 101 |
Systems |
Aircraft |
Equipment ||||
Index |
Search |
Join FAS
60K Low Velocity Airdrop System
Surprise and speed are the major elements of any airborne combat operation. In
addition to the soldiers, it is imperative that heavy construction and combat
equipment be in place and in a state of operational readiness as quickly as possible.
This is the mission of the 60,000 pound Low Velocity Airdrop System (60K LVADS).The 60K LVADS is comprised of a conventional parachute design and many improvements over existing low velocity airdrop components. It will allow the deployment of equipment weighing up to 60,000 pound (total rigged weight) from an altitude of 2,000 feet at speeds of 130 to 150 knots indicated air speed (KIAS). The system incorporates existing 42,000 LVAD technology with new developments/improvements to accommodate the higher capacity.
The 60K LVADS components include:
- Platform/Restraint: The 60,000 LVADS uses the standard Type V platform.
Loads are restrained using standard tiedown straps, heavy-duty D-rings, and 10,000
pound load binders;
- Extraction: The extraction system will include three 28-foot heavy-duty
extraction parachutes, a tow plate actuated double-braided rope extraction line,
and the 60K Extraction Force Transfer Coupling (EFTC). To improve airdrop accuracy,
the extraction parachutes will be deployed by a 15-foot drogue parachute;
- Recovery: The system will use a cluster of 12 modified G-11C parachutes,
with a new release in development that will separate the parachutes from the load at
ground impact.
Sources and Resources
FAS |
Military |
DOD 101 |
Systems |
Aircraft |
Equipment ||||
Index |
Search |
Join FAS
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/equip/60klvads.htm
Maintained by Robert Sherman
Originally created by John Pike
Updated Saturday, January 09, 1999 10:27:01 AM