Airdrop loads require special rigging equipment for delivery to a designated area. The type and size of the load to be delivered in airdrop containers or on airdrop platforms determines the quantity of equipment required. Basic airdrop rigging components are described in this chapter and in FM 10-500-2/TO 13C7-1-5.
Types of airdrop platforms commonly used are shown in Figure 2-1 .
Cargo slings are used for various purposes such as deployment or extraction lines, suspension or lifting slings, and riser extensions. The slings are available in 3-, 9-, 11-, 12-, 16-, 20-, 28-, 60-, 120-, 140-, and 160-foot lengths and various plies or loops (Figure 2-2).
Cargo parachute release assemblies are mechanical devices designed to free the cargo parachute automatically when the airdrop load reaches the ground. The assemblies and components are shown in Figure 2-3.
Link assemblies (Figure 2-4) are used to join cargo slings in forming suspension slings and riser extensions of a desired length. They are used also in the formation of the extraction system.
Clevis assemblies (Figure 2-5) are used in forming suspension systems and extraction systems, in grouping cargo parachute bridles, and in attaching slings and parachute release assemblies. They are used also for other purposes specified in the manual covering the rigging procedures for individual platform loads.
Link and clevis covers are used to prevent metal-to-metal contact which may cause damage (Figure 2-4, and Figure 2-5).
Hardware items of metallic fabrication are used to modify certain airdrop items as specified in the manual covering the rigging procedures of an individual airdrop load.
Common hardware items (Figure 2-6) of metallic fabrication are used in rigging airdrop loads as specified in the manual covering the rigging procedures.
Side and end cargo covers and tarpaulins are commonly used to protect and secure bulk loads of supplies or combination loads of supplies and equipment rigged on airdrop platforms.
The HDDS is an upgraded version of the drive-off aid used to assist a vehicle to clear the honeycomb and platform. It winds around the wheel of the vehicle being driven (Figure 2-7).
Straps and webbing (Figure 2-8) are used for lashing the load to the platform, for suspending the load as specified in the manual covering the rigging procedures of an individual platform or container load, for restraining the load or parachute, and for parachute release with knife and strap systems.
