Introduction
Personnel Parachuting Test Team (PPTT) at the Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit (JADTEU) operates as the primary trials agency for airborne forces equipment for the MOD.
More specifically this relates to all personnel parachutes and the ancillary equipment used in support of the airborne task. PPTT works in conjunction with the Aircraft Test and Evaluation Centre (ATEC) at Boscombe Down and with QinetiQ for the provision of developmental testing as tasked by the relevant Integrated Project Team (IPT).
These tasks are conducted under the auspices of a Combined Test Team in order to best utilise the appropriate skill sets available to the MOD. Resulting from the developmental testing and, of course, inextricably linked to it, are the drills and procedures required for the introduction of tested equipment to the front line and this forms the start to finish philosophy and modus operandi of PPTT.
Conducting Trials
Trials are conducted both under the auspices of the ATEC for developmental trials or within JADTEU procedures for Operational Test and Evaluation. In both cases detailed trials plans and instructions are written to provide accurate and comprehensive trials.
Ground Assessment
Comprehensive ground assessments are undertaken to assess parachute configurations, the fitting, wearing and suitability of in-service ancillary equipment and weapons and above all, any safety implications which may affect the parachutist's ability to operate the parachute.
Airborne Trials
Airborne trials are conducted at suitable Drop Zones (DZ) in the UK or more commonly, overseas, where better weather, unrestricted airspace, large DZ and dedicated aircraft make for a more successful trials environment.
During these live trial phases many descents are made, in a short period of time, day and night, from altitudes of 600ft (Static Line) to 36,000ft (Free Fall) above ground level. This concentration of descents enables continuity in the trial process thus ensuring nothing is missed.
These trials develop and confirm the necessary fitting, wearing and safe operation of the complete parachute configuration including ancillary equipment, checking and despatch procedures together with the appropriate aircraft dropping speeds, parachute opening heights and maximum operating heights. Instruments are used throughout the trial to measure forces acting on the parachutists and their equipment during the exit from the aircraft and the parachute deployment.
On completion of the practical trial work, a report is produced for the trial sponsor. Once accepted, by the sponsor any procedures and findings will be included in the appropriate Air Publications; these procedures are then used as the authorised service methods for the delivery of personnel by parachute systems.
Publications On completion of the practical trial work, the Section produces and publishes a report for the trial sponsor. Once accepted, the procedures specified will be included in the appropriate Air Publication, these procedures are then used as the authorised service methods for the delivery of personnel by parachute systems.
Investigation of Malfunctions
Malfunctions involving personnel parachutes or parachutist's equipment require investigation and subsequent action to prevent reoccurrence. Representatives of Personnel Parachuting Test Team, with their wealth of experience and vast knowledge of parachute systems are called upon to help with the investigation.
Advice to External Agencies
In addition to routine trials work, Personnel Parachuting Test Team provides advice to external agencies such as the Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), the Survival and Airborne Delivery IPT, QinetiQ Boscombe Down and various civilian organisations. This also includes advice to and liaison with other nations.
Operational Tasks
During operational tasks there may be a requirement for airborne troops to deploy by air to the battlefield, with equipment that has not been tried, tested and endorsed by JADTEU. Personnel Parachuting Test Team can, and have been used in the past, to conduct an Urgent Operational Evaluation Program to clear the equipment for operational use only, at a later date the equipment undergoes the normal trials procedures.