Aerial Delivery Section

Introduction
The Aerial Delivery (AD) Section is one of the lead sections within the Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit (JADTEU) and is split into sub sections; Light Drop (LD) and Heavy drop (HD). Expertise is drawn from Army RLC Air Despatchers and REME Engineers. Responsible for carrying out of Operational Test and Evaluation on all aerial delivery systems, the section devises methods for delivering vehicles, boats and light stores under parachute. The section also produces rigging schemes, installation and despatch procedures applicable to a specific aircraft type.
Initial Assessment
Once tasked by the sponsor, the Lead Project Officer (LPO) completes a comprehensive ground assessment to assess load configurations, suitability of in-service ancillary equipment, design and manufacture of any prototype equipment and any safety implications which may affect the aircraft.
Static Drop Trials
A static drop may be carried out to ensure the load meets the specification and functionality required to perform its task. This is carried out beneath a gantry at a predetermined height to simulate the effects of an actual airdrop. This information helps determine the robustness of the loads under various drop conditions prior to conducting a live air drop.

Air Drop Trials
Airdrop Trials are conducted at suitable Drop Zones (DZ) in the UK and overseas.
The LD section is responsible for testing and evaluating the robustness of stores that are required to be air dropped for all 3 services. When testing is complete, the relevant information is gathered in order to produce rigging schemes, clearances/checklists, and despatch procedures for the Hercules C-130K & C-130J. Light drop trials have grown in importance over the years. Re-supply from the air negates the need for time consuming and dangerous Combat Logistic Patrols (CLP) and frees up ground troops for manoeuvre operations. The current air drop systems in use from the Hercules C-130 range from small bundles weighing a minimum of 23 Kg (harness packs) up to large boat systems weighing approximately 6000 Kg. Current on going trials include, devising a solution for the airdrop of soft stores (waters/rations) on Container Delivery System (CDS) Small Boat Modular Platform (SBMP) and 108” Platform Universal Rigid Inflatable Boat Aerial Delivery (PURIBAD).
Heavy drop has two main functions; to design and produce a Medium Platform Rigging Scheme (MPRS) for new vehicles entering service, and to ensure that any design changes to current in-service vehicles do not affect the equipments ability to be air dropped. The current platform used in heavy drop is the Medium Stressed Platform (MSP) which has been in service since 1953, it works on a Reefed Mains Extraction System with the main shock attenuation being airbags. Data gathering equipment can be positioned on the vehicle and platform to measure the forces acting on the platform during extraction, parachute deployment and landing. Current on going trials include, Pinzgauer and trailer, Smooth Drum Roller and Jackal.
Publications
On completions of the flight assessment, and sponsors (Hercules TriStar Project Team), acceptance the details are published in the following publications: AP101A-1102-1 Construction procedures for aerial delivery loads. AP101A-1106-1 Airdrop platforms and associated equipment.
Investigation of Malfunctions
Representatives of Aerial Delivery Section are on 24 hour standby to cover all Malfunctions involving airdropped loads (MALDROP). Due to flight safety implications, MALDROP occurrences require investigation and subsequent action to prevent reoccurrence. AD Section provides ‘point of impact’ technical investigations on behalf of Air Command, all MALDROP reports are sent to HQ 2Gp in order to ascertain trends and actions accordingly.
Advice to External Agencies
In addition to routine trials work, Aerial Delivery Section provides advice to various Project Teams within Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), and external agencies including QinetiQ and Boscombe Down, as well as civilian industry. The section also provides advice to and liaisons with other nations ranging from the Americans to the Norwegians.