The Army will field a new long-range infiltration parachute to special-mission units, also known as Special Forces troops, allowing them to jump from as high as 35,000 feet, wear armor and steer to an objective with “pinpoint accuracy,” said Maj. Ernesto Perez, the Army’s assistant product manager for airdrop systems.
From 24,000 feet up, for instance, a soldier using the new chute could fly to an objective roughly 47 kilometers from his transport aircraft, making him and the transport harder to detect, said Doug Graham, a spokesman for the program office for soldier equipment.
At $10,000 each, Military Free Fall Advanced Ram-Air Parachute System, or RA-1, will replace the Army’s maneuverable canopy parachute, the MC-4, said Perez.
Parachute harnesses can cut circulation in the legs, making them go numb — which can make for tricky landings. RA-1’s has a seat that puts the weight on a soldier’s posterior so his legs won’t fall asleep.
“Jumper comfort was the biggest factor,” Perez said. “We wanted to make sure that when they hit the ground, they’re ready to fight.”
The parachute can carry up to 450 pounds, which means soldiers can bring more gear to the fight. A soldier inserted far from a resupply can take more along.
“You’re able to jump with body armor, so everything a soldier wasn’t able to jump with, especially in a freefall situation, you’re able to do now,” Perez said.
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From 24,000 feet up, for instance, a soldier using the new chute could fly to an objective roughly 47 kilometers from his transport aircraft, making him and the transport harder to detect, said Doug Graham, a spokesman for the program office for soldier equipment.
At $10,000 each, Military Free Fall Advanced Ram-Air Parachute System, or RA-1, will replace the Army’s maneuverable canopy parachute, the MC-4, said Perez.
Parachute harnesses can cut circulation in the legs, making them go numb — which can make for tricky landings. RA-1’s has a seat that puts the weight on a soldier’s posterior so his legs won’t fall asleep.
“Jumper comfort was the biggest factor,” Perez said. “We wanted to make sure that when they hit the ground, they’re ready to fight.”
The parachute can carry up to 450 pounds, which means soldiers can bring more gear to the fight. A soldier inserted far from a resupply can take more along.
“You’re able to jump with body armor, so everything a soldier wasn’t able to jump with, especially in a freefall situation, you’re able to do now,” Perez said.
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