Much of the damage to airdrop equipment occurs during derigging. Follow specific procedures to prevent unnecessary damage and loss of vital airdrop equipment. Derigging procedures and special tools needed for the derigging of airdrop loads are described in this chapter.
Derigging procedures consist primarily of removing the basic components of the rigging equipment from the load so that the airdrop items maybe moved quickly from the drop zone and put into use. For reasons of supply economy, ensure that the airdrop rigging equipment is removed properly during derigging.
a. Removing Suspension Groups. The derigging of the suspension group (Figure 3-1) includes removal of the suspension slings and other items of equipment which connect the suspension slings to the load or cargo parachutes. Remove the rigging equipment as follows:
(1) Platform-suspended loads. Remove the components of the parachute release from the suspension slings on platform-suspended loads before the airdrop load is removed from the platform (Figure 2-3 and Figure 3-l). The suspension slings may remain attached to the platform and may be removed when time permits.
(2) Item-suspended loads. Remove the tension slings from the item before it is removed from the platform. In some cases, the suspension slings must be removed from the suspension clevises before they can be disconnected from the item. In any event, exercise extreme caution when removing the suspension group so that this equipment will not suffer damage which would prevent its reuse.
b. Removing Tie-Down Group. The derigging of the tie-down group (Figure 3-2) includes removal of the tie-down straps, load binders, ratchet tie-downs, and quick-fit strap fasteners. When the load is rigged, the tie-down straps and the load binders or ratchet tie-downs which secure the load to the airdrop platform are extremely tight. However, after the load hits the ground, the tie-down straps are usually loose enough to be removed easily. Tie-down straps and load binders that are still under tension must be removed as follows:
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NOTE: DO NOT cut tie-down assembly straps. |
(1) Release the load binder handle by removing the tape or type I, 1/4 inch cotton webbing around the load binder, load binder handle, and excess tie-down strap fold as shown in Figure 3-3.
(2) Pull the strap free from the tie-down provision, and remove the tie-down strap and load binder from the airdrop item and airdrop platform (Figure 3-3).
c. Removing Accompanying Load. When an accompanying load and/or related airdrop equipment is used, remove the tie-down group the same way as explained above. Remove the accompanying load and/or related airdrop equipment from the airdrop item or platform.
d. Removing Energy-Dissipating Material. The energy-dissipating material (Figure 3-1, and Figure 3-2) consists primarily of honeycomb used to absorb the shock of landing on ground impact. On most loads, the honeycomb can be kicked free from the airdrop item or the item can be driven or towed off the platform.
e. Removing Vehicles with the Heavy Drop Derigging System. The HDDS is an upgraded version of the drive-off aid. It can be used with the HMMWV, 2-l/2-ton truck and the 5-ton, 900-series truck. The vehicle (with tie-down assemblies removed) when powered up, will progressively wrap the webbed ladder around the two wheels (using the platform for leverage) and pull itself clear of the honeycomb (Figure 2-7).
Drive the vehicle only enough to free it from the honeycomb so the vehicle will be able to move under its own traction. Stop the vehicle, place it in a neutral gear, and engage the emergency brake. Carefully remove all loose honeycomb and wood items. If the items are not completely loose, do not continue to bother with them. Release the emergency brake and carefully drive the vehicle onto the platform, slowly unwrapping the HDDS from the wheels, thus separating the vehicle from the platform. The type I, l/4-inch cotton webbing will break when the vehicle reaches the end of the HDDS.
f. Removing the EFTC. Remove the EFTA, and its bracket (if feasible), to avoid damage when the platforms are stacked. Disconnect the latch assembly at the bolt connected to the platform extraction bracket (Figure 3-4).
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NOTE: DO NOT disconnect the cable from the actuator or latch assembly. |
g. Removing Miscellaneous Items. After you remove the tie-down group you should derig and replace or remove the following items as time and need permit:
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NOTE: When you derig tandem load LAPE airdrop platforms, the articulated links must be removed from the platforms. DO NOT fold platforms over onto one another with the articulated links connected. This could result in damage to the airdrop equipment. |
Airdrop containers consist of the A-7A cargo sling, A-21 cargo bag, and the A-22-series cargo bag. In addition, flat steel strapping may be used to bind a container load. The following procedures are used to derig a container load:
a. Disconnecting Cargo Parachutes. To disconnect the 68-inch pilot, G-13 or G-14 cargo, 12-foot high-velocity, and 15-foot extraction parachutes from the A-7A cargo sling or A-21 cargo bag, disconnect the parachute risers from the D-rings, and remove the cargo parachutes from the containers. The G-12, G-13, or G-14 cargo, 26-foot high-velocity, and 22-foot extraction parachutes are used on the A-22 cargo bag. Disconnect the cargo clevis from the suspension webs, and remove the cargo parachute.
b. Unpacking Airdrop Containers.
(1) A-7A cargo sling. Remove the tape or type I, l/4-inch cotton webbing on sling strap folds. Loosen and pull all sling straps from strap fasteners. Lay the sling straps on the ground, and remove the load from the cargo sling.
(2) A-21 cargo bag. Unfasten and remove the safety clip, turn the quick release assembly disk one-quarter turn clockwise, strike the quick-release firmly, and pull the straps free from the container. Open the cover to remove the load from cargo bag (Figure 3-5).
(3) A-22 cargo bag. Disconnect suspension web D-rings from cargo clevis, loosen and pull all container straps from strap fasteners, and remove all lacing cord from lacing cord loops at all corners of cover. Open cover fully, and remove load from cargo bag (Figure 3-6).
A suggested list of tools and equipment is in Table 3-1. This is neither a mandatory list nor a complete list. It is only intended to help you select a minimum of tools to be included in a derigging and recovery tool kit, if needed. Tree climbing and cutting equipment may also be included for use on loads that land in the trees.
