Silent service: Special operations freefall

Transcription

1 Silent service: Special operations freefall [Content preview Subscribe to Jane s International Defence Review for full article] As special forces continue to evolve their clandestine insertion methods, Andrew White examines the latest parachute technologies and tactics that are being developed In response to an operating environment that is increasingly demanding clandestine missions, armed forces around the world continue to consider uplifts in parachute technology designed to accurately insert small teams of personnel and cargo into an area of operation (AO). Options available to armed forces vary tremendously, dependent upon mission requirements. More conventional units continue to train on parachute systems capable of inserting larger numbers of troops at lower altitudes in the quickest time possible, while special operations forces (SOF) rely upon military freefall (MFF) solutions for more covert entry into an AO. The ability to conduct MFF insertion in low-light conditions remains a critical training and operational requirement for SOF globally. However, wearing compatible night-vision goggles for airborne insertion presents multiple issues with regard to utility of navigation aids. (DVIDS) MFF technology which continues to be focused on steerable main and reserve ram-air parachutes enables small teams of operators to conduct the full variety of airborne insertion methods, ranging from low-level jumps around 4,000 ft above ground level (AGL) up to maximumaltitude descents of 29,000 ft AGL, with high-altitude high-opening (HAHO) and high-altitude lowopening (HALO) options available. Page 1 of 8

2 As described by the US Department of Defense (DoD), ram-air technology comprises a rectangular parafoil consisting of a series of tubular cells that act as a rigid wing when inflated and allow the parachutist to navigate the parachute toward the intended point of impact. However, the nature of MFF insertions presents armed forces with significant challenges, comprising not only mission effectiveness but also, more importantly, safety of personnel. Speaking to Jane s, defence sources associated with the US Navy s Advanced Tactical Air Assault Course which retains responsibility for training Navy SEAL (Sea, Air, Land) teams in MFF described how these airborne insertion missions could see operators freefalling at speeds up to and beyond 100 mph in low-light conditions and with heavy equipment loads from altitudes where oxygen deprivation is an issue. Whether in the training environment or on operations, there continue to be casualties and fatalities associated with airborne insertions, with operators suffering from hypoxia at higher altitudes; equipment failures; and adverse weather conditions on exit, in flight, and upon landing. Sources explained how many injuries occurred when predesignated landing zones were missed due to environmental conditions. Jumpers, it was explained, could be required to land in unknown areas where obstacles can include bodies of water, power lines, trees, and other topographical features. In 2015, the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) reviewed its doctrine, tactics, techniques, procedures, and equipment associated with MFF to further minimise risk of injuries and fatalities in training and operations. As a result, the US Army John F Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School s Military Free-Fall Jumpmaster Course (MFFJMC) today represents a best-inclass solution for partnering armed forces globally. The nature of the course illustrates how complex a mission set MFF can now be for teams of operators inserting into an AO with a task to conduct the full spectrum of special operations, including surveillance/reconnaissance, direct action, or military assistance. Technology Developments According to Gary McHugh, business development director at Airborne Systems Group, the MFF market is still evolving, with armed forces continuing to demand increased aircraft offset distances from AOs for airborne insertion. These aircraft offsets allow sponsoring air frames and their MFF teams to conduct over-the-border operations for example, while mitigating threats from manportable air-defence systems (MANPADS) and reducing the risk of radar-based, visual, and audible compromise by enemy airdefence systems. Speaking to Jane s, McHugh explained how such a concept of operation continued to result in growing demand from the international SOF community for MFF parachute technology providing increased range and glide ratios. McHugh said that Airborne Systems Group continues to identify opportunities across the international market to 'enhance' legacy technology yet further, with the company having released its latest product, the Hi-5, to the market in October Page 2 of 8

3 We ve seen the end user is wanting more and more offset to get the aircraft further away from the target area, he explained, while illustrating how parachutes with increased glide ratios and slower rates of descent would allow SOF to travel across greater distances. One of the latest MFF requirements to be released to the market is that of the US Marine Corps (USMC's) Enhanced Multi Mission Parachute System (E-MMPS), which is currently being evaluated by the Marine Corps System Command (MARCORSYSCOM). According to the official solicitation, published on the Federal Business Opportunities website in December 2016, the E-MMPS comprises an upgrade of the USMC's inventory of advanced ramair parachute systems (ARAPSs). Parachutes are expected to be used by Marine Recon and Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) force elements. Having already supplied US Army special forces with the RA-1 ARAPS, Airborne Systems Group is now marketing its Hi-5 MFF parachute, which boasts a greater glide ratio of 5.5:1, compared with the 4:1 ratio of legacy systems. (Airborne Systems Group) The E-MMPS will be configured to meet specific mission requirements for various methods of freefall and static-line parachute insertions. The glide capability of the E-MMPS will provide commanders the means to conduct increased stand-off infiltrations into designated areas and will also allow proper fitment for the full range of Marines (5th percentile female to 95th percentile male), official documents described. The selected solution must also comprise double size configurations in parachute canopies and harnesses, providing operators with an all-up-weight (AUW) capacity of 425 lb (193 kg). Page 3 of 8

4 Programme requirements call for the E-MMPS to retain a threshold altitude deployment range between 4,500 ft AGL and 24,999 ft above mean sea level (AMSL) with an objective to conduct insertions as low as 4,000 ft AGL and up to 29,000 ft AMSL. MARCORSYSCOM is also demanding the capability to achieve 23.5 km threshold horizontal travel (equivalent to ground distance covered) when jumping from 20,000 ft AMSL, which includes freefalling for the first 1,000 ft and arriving 1,500 ft above the drop zone in windy conditions, while carrying 85% of the parachute s AUW capacity. However, MARCORSYSCOM s optimal requirement is the capability to travel 26 km horizontally from 20,000 ft AMSL, should technology allow. Additionally, E-MMPS calls for a main canopy mechanism allowing an operator to switch between glide ratios in order to achieve more accurate landing zones measuring no more than 70x100 m. Other features include reduced audible and visual detection of parachute canopies, such as protection against surveillance devices operating in visible and electromagnetic spectrums, as well as the capability to integrate a harness for medium- and large-size military working dogs (MWDs). Participants in the programme, which has a total requirement for more than 1,000 parachutes, are understood to include Airborne Systems Group, Complete Parachute Solutions (CPS), and Zodiac Aerospace, industry sources informed Jane s. Elsewhere, the US Army continues to procure Airborne Systems Group s RA-1 ARAPS, with the latest contract award, worth USD152,000, completed on 30 September Ongoing deliveries continue to be made following the army s decision in March 2016 to replace its legacy inventory of MC-4 ram-air personnel parachutes with the RA-1. The Intruder RA-1, currently in service with US Army Special Forces Groups, is designed to insert jumpers carrying heavy loads into rough and unfamiliar drop zones at night, company sources said. Certified for use up to 25,000 ft AMSL, the RA-1 comprises a maximum AUW of 450 lb (204 kg) and a glide ratio of 4:1. It also features an antistall solution designed to reduce injury upon landing. According to McHugh, the company has so far supplied less than 100 Hi-5 parachutes to potential customers, with multiple evaluations having been completed since 19 February when the parachute was demonstrated for the first time in a live environment at the company s training facility in Eloy, Arizona. Potential customers outside USSOCOM include SOF components in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, McHugh added. Defence sources explained to Jane s that SOF components in the Czech Republic and Poland were considering next-generation ram-air solutions to support current and future airborne operations. The Hi-5 demonstrates ram-air glide performance while allowing glide modulation to descend quickly and land accurately, a company spokesperson explained. The Hi-5 has a 5.5:1 glide ratio and can transition to a 1:1 glide ratio with a simple control input using the Glide Modulation System. Page 4 of 8

5 Unlike other methods of angle control, such as front-riser trim tabs, the Glide Modulation System does not increase the total speed of the canopy, providing a safe transition at any altitude. This eliminates the need for multiple spirals or ʻS-turns at low altitude and allows for extremely accurate landings using safe straight-in approaches. The jumper is in total control of where they are and when they arrive on target, it was added. The US Army s MFF School continues to rely upon a blend of military and commercial parachute systems, technology, and air frames to train operators at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. (DVIDS) Elsewhere, France's Special Operations Command continues to be equipped with MFF parachute solutions from Zodiac Aerospace as part of the EUR65 million (USD77 million) Système de Mise à Terre des Chuteurs Opérationnels (SMTC OPS) programme following a contract award in September French SOF had been considering the replacement of the Air Azur G9 parachute. With a requirement to carry an AUW of 510 lb (231 kg) in MFF and static-line configurations, the selected SMTC OPS product is a variant of Zodiac Aerospace s Phantom parachute, which has a maximum operating altitude of 29,500 ft AMSL. Phantom has been developed from the company s inventory of solo parachutes, which includes the MMS 350 Military Solo System for HAHO and HALO operations, as well as the AMX 310 military tactical assault ram-air gliding parachute, which has been optimised for amphibious landings. Zodiac Aerospace has also developed the SF Striker parachute, which comprises a versatile MFF and static-line solution for high-load equipment carriage, a company spokesperson explained. Page 5 of 8

6 Zodiac Aerospace also manufactures a series of parachutes designed for tandem insertion a particular skill set that has come to prominence across the international SOF community with the requirement to enable and forward-deploy the specialist skills of non-military or non-mff qualified personnel on a particular mission. Examples include the MMS 420 and 533 HAHO/HALO tandem parachutes, manufactured with identical main and reserve canopies providing a 'transformable system' allowing operators to fulfil several types of mission sets by adding or removing modular accessories. Meanwhile, in the training environment SOF continue to rely upon a hybrid mix of military off-theshelf and commercial off-the-shelf solutions, with the latter including Spectre Brands Javelin Odyssey Container System, currently in use with the USSOCOM s MFF School. Accessories According to McHugh, the most effective and efficient MFF solutions now centre around a holistic ensemble of technologies operated by the jumper. This, he explained, provided a modular and scalable capability to SOF, enabling them to successfully exploit variable mission parameters encountered across the operating environment. Options include enhanced oxygen supplies for HAHO and HALO descents as well as precision navigation solutions allowing for accurate wayfinding through environmental conditions to obscured landing zones and impact points. The US Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO), which supports USSOCOM and other government agencies tasked with unconventional warfare, is currently considering the MFF Tactical Tool (MFF-T2) as an improved and advanced compact, modular navigation board that uses digital and analog technology for optimal situational awareness, ability to navigate accurately in all conditions, and ability to standardise freefall training and operations. Developed in conjunction with Juggernaut Defense and ADI Technologies, the MFF-T2 provides the ability for the operator to customise their individual and team jump boards, allowing each MFF parachutist the ability to quickly view and operate their GPS, compass, and other navigation tools during HAHO MFF operations, according to the CTTSO. MFF-T2 software comprises an Android operating system solution for situational awareness, while also supporting Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) software for the viewing of full-motion video feeds, friendly force tracking, and the enabling of intrateam communications. Referring to equivalent technology developed by Airborne Systems Group, McHugh explained that the company had developed the jtrax Navaid to complete the jumper ensemble. Based on technology derived from Guided Precision Aerial Delivery Systems (GPADS) for cargo loads, the jtrax Navaid is capable of calculating not only a primary impact point but also two alternate impact points, with a push button located on the jtrax end-user device activated with gloves to allow the jumper to rotate through screens and landing areas. The jtrax Navaid is fully integrated with the jtrax Mission Planner software developed by Airborne Systems for GPADS and MFF operations, which allows the user to select mission parameters such as payload weight, canopy, aircraft type, release altitude, speed, heading, and IP location. Page 6 of 8

7 The Mission Planner automatically downloads wind data and plans the mission for optimum release point, taking into account failure footprint. The user can then change to desired release points and assess the reliability of alternate plans based on wind conditions, parachute performance, and arrival altitude, Airborne Systems Group explained. However, in order to enable MFF jumpers to match the ever-increasing altitudes of ram-air parachutes, industry is being forced to improve technology associated with personal parachutist oxygen solutions. Options include Cobham s Phantom system, which comprises an oxygen mask, 3,000 psi jump bottle, and high-capacity oxygen console. On display at DSEI 2017 in London, the Phantom solution has been designed for improved ergonomics and field of vision, with integrated communications and high-performance diluter-demand regulator. The market continues to witness increased capabilities with regard to oxygen systems for jumpers, with options including Cobham s Phantom, on show at DSEI 2017 in London. (Andrew White) The jump bottle, Cobham officials explained, provides a lighter weight option over legacy solutions, while also meaning jumpers can carry up to 410 litres of breathable oxygen. This, they claimed, provides up to 45% greater capacity than previous solutions. Page 7 of 8

8 The oxygen mask is supported by a portable oxygen console, available in two configurations for mission modularity. The ultra-high-capacity console is capable of supporting up to 25 users while the high-capacity console supports up to 10 users, a company spokesperson told Jane s. Consoles can be fitted into the cargo holds of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft ahead of insertion, enabling jumpers to prebreathe pure oxygen ahead of a descent. Similar technology has also been tested by CPS and Top Out Aero in the Himalayas. According to a CPS account executive, the Top Out Aero s Multi-Purpose Tactical Oxygen System (MTOS) was validated in November 2016, allowing the CPS MFF development team to break a series of world records for high-altitude exits, accuracy of landings, and AUW capacity. Although the USMC requires the E-MMPS to be compatible with its Parachutist High Altitude Oxygen System (PHAOS), Airborne Systems Group continues to extend capabilities in this area in order to maintain pace with end-user requirements. According to McHugh, the SOLR family of oxygen systems includes masks; 3000 (3,000 psi) and 4500 (4,500 psi) bailout bottles; the 4500 Pre-Breather; oxygen booster pump; and test stand. With that extended glide capability to offset the aircraft miles away from where you re actually going to land, jumpers are going to spend more time in the air. So what we have done is develop our new SOLR oxygen [system], giving jumpers more oxygen capacity because [the jumper is] spending more time under canopy above 10,000 ft AMSL he explained. Comprising a 50% oxygen capacity increase over the SOLR 3000, the 4500 model is being used to target increased flight duration requirements of SOF associated with extended aircraft stand-off distances. Describing how with its greater payload capacity the SOLR is now capable of providing jumpers with 100% oxygen as opposed to an air mix capability, McHugh highlighted how an adjustable valve would automatically open as altitudes decrease to let in ambient air. For the full version and more content: Jane's Defence Industry and Markets Intelligence Centre This analysis is taken from Jane s Defence Industry & Markets Intelligence Centre, which provides world-leading analysis of commercial, industrial and technological defence developments, budget and programme forecasts, and insight into new and emerging defence markets around the world. Jane s defence industry and markets news and analysis is also available within Jane s International Defence Review. To learn more and to subscribe to Jane s International Defence Review online, offline or print visit For advertising solutions visit Jane s Advertising Page 8 of 8