[RobRoy]

I believe C-117's can come in with tanks on board. 35 sorties, 35 tanks. I saw them dropping them on skids once, the plane doesn't even touch the ground as the vehicle slides out on a big palate and skids to a stop. I think they can carry multiple vehicles.

[freepersup]

(Now that the airfield has been secured, it's unlikely any cargo will be air dropped. This info. gives an idea of the capabilities, and to note: the info. is now several years old so the limitations are probably greater by now.)

· 60K Airdrop System: The 60,000-pound (60K) capacity airdrop system is a multiphase program designed to capitalize on current (C130, C141, C5) and future (C17) aircraft, while increasing single platform capacity from 35,000 to 60,000 pounds. The LVAD and LAPE capability has already been upgraded to 42,000 (42K) pounds for the combat-loaded Sheridan tank and numerous engineer equipment loads. The 42K LVAD capability has been fielded and 42K LAPE components will be procured in 1991. Development of a 60K LVAD and a 60K LAPE continues. Testing and fielding these systems depends on upgrading the C5 and on fielding the future C17 aircraft that will have both 60K LAPE and LVAD capabilities. Type classifications of both 60K airdrop capabilities are projected for 1994.

*(LAPE- low altitude parachute extraction)

· LARRS: The Low Altitude Retro-Rocket System (LARRS) is being developed to accurately deliver platform loads weighing up to 60,000 pounds from 300-foot drop altitudes at drop speeds up to 250 knots. LARRS will combine parachutes and retro-rockets to decelerate loads to a soft landing (8 feet per second) without using standard "honeycomb" cushioning material. This will allow a drive on/drive off platform capability, greatly reducing rigging and derigging materials handling equipment (MHE) requirements and response time. LARRS is expected to be type classified in 1996.