Innovations in air insertion (involving parachutes)

• Main Author: Brasfield, Samuel P.
• Other Authors: O'Connell, Robert
• Published: Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School 2012
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/4273

Numerous innovations in parachuting and related technologies have developed in recent years that had their genesis in the military application of parachutes, which started early in the twentieth century. Although many of these new concepts have not been applied to military operations, they may have much to offer in the future. The innovations covered in this study involve concepts that could revolutionize the use of parachutes in warfare, and focus more on methods than materials. However, some of these related technologies will also be examined. The five systems covered are: 1) wing suit 2) rigid wing 3) High Glide Ratio (HGR) parachute 4) fixed-object parachuting (commonly known as BASE) and 5) tandem systems. These innovations provide many advantages and improvements to existing systems such as: greater offset for insertion for HAHO and HALO; a capability to conduct infiltration and exfiltration with the same compact equipment; greater capacity for inserting personnel and equipment; and the capacity for expanded use of the parachute in a constrained environment.