Attachment_9_-_Swing_Land_Trainer_Revised.docx

Attachment 9 – Swing Land Trainer

The vendor shall provide the following apparatuses with all associated deliverables:

1. STEPS AND LATERAL DRIFT APPARATUS (LDA)

(2ea) 2’ platforms with gravel filled pit With a minimumof two (2) each LDA zip-line assembly with anchor stands with gravel filled pit

2. SUSPENDED HARNESS (SH)

(14ea) Bracketed attachment stations which allow for simulation of canopy control for the MC-6 parachute system

3. MOCK AIRCRAFT DOOR/RAMP

(1ea) The aircraft being utilized by the vendor needs to have an interior mock up with ramp and door exit points.

4. SWING LANDING TRAINER-QUICK RELEASE SYSTEM (SLT-QRS)

With a minimum of two (2) each SLT-QRS stations with gravel pit landing areas

5. GRAVEL PITS

Gravel filled pit for LDA, and Step Gravel filled pit for SLT-QRS

The above apparatuses must be in accordance with all validation requirements of the US Army.

Training Apparatuses The techniques and apparatuses allow the student to demonstrate proficiency in the tasks necessary to complete the course.

SECTION I — PARACHUTE LANDING FALL DEVICES

4-1. This section provides instructor critiques for PLFs and discusses three types of PLF training devices: the 2-foot high platform, the lateral drift apparatus (LDA), and the swing landing trainer (SLT). The 2-foot high platform may be portable or permanently fixed. A soft landing area of pea gravel or like material is used with all of the training apparatuses. These devices are used to teach front, side (right and left), and rear PLFs. They are high enough to simulate the shock the student will feel when contacting the ground during a parachute jump. Initial instruction for each PLF is given without the apparatus. Once students know the techniques, they progress to the 2-foot high platform, the LDA, and the swing landing trainer. The swing landing trainer provides a means for gaining forward momentum and simulating the lateral movement experienced during a parachute landing.

2-FOOT HIGH PLATFORM

4-3. Each platform is divided into dismount points. One instructor controls each point where the following occurs:

On the command, READY, the student rocks up on the balls of his feet keeping his feet and knees together and his knees slightly bent, naturally exposing the balls of his feet to the ground. His arms are skyward, for the MC-1/MC-6 series, his palms are facing forward at eye level with his elbows out to the side and back.

On the command, TURN, the student assumes a landing attitude by simulating the grasping of a set of risers opposite the direction of drift and pulling down into his chest with his head and eyes on the horizon, back straight, elbows tight into his side, and feet and knees together. If executing front or rear parachute landing falls, the student rotates his lower body (from the waist down) 45 degrees to expose the second and third points of contact.

On the command, LAND, the student jumps straight off the platform, executes the PLF, and makes a quick recovery.

The instructor critiques each PLF immediately, emphasizing the significance of the five points of contact.

Figure 4-1. Parachute landing fall sequence

LATERAL DRIFT APPARATUS

4-4. A platoon is distributed among several apparatuses. Each apparatus requires a parachutist, a ropeman, and a safety officer. The safety officer is positioned on the top step of the platform to catch the trolley when it is returned by the ropeman, who is located to the left side at the base of the platform. (See Figure 4-2.) The parachutist mounts the platform, grasps the bar with his palms facing toward his face, and assumes a good landing attitude. On the command, CLEAR THE PLATFORM, the parachutist maintains a grasp on the trolley with both hands, picks up his feet, and drifts off the platform. On the command, LAND, the parachutist releases the bar and executes the PLF.

Figure 4-2. Lateral drift apparatus

IMPROVED SWING LANDING TRAINER

4-10. The improved swing landing trainer (ISLT) is a mechanical device consisting of a latching mechanism with activating arm, a flexible rope, cable, and chain section with colored shackles for jumper height adjustment, and a counterweight shock absorber to reduce jolt and provide for a realistic rate of descent. The ISLT is mechanical apparatus easily operated by an instructor with a simple pull of a control lanyard. This device can be used to replace the rope and pulley type swing landing trainer system. The ISLT apparatus is suspended above a 12-foot high platform from which students, wearing parachute harnesses, descend to practice PLFs. The apparatus provides a downward motion and oscillation similar to that experienced during a parachute jump. The suspension is placed so that the student swings when stepping off the platform.

Figure 4-3. Swing landing trainer

SUSPENDED HARNESS SECTION III — SUSPENDED HARNESS

4-35. The suspended parachute harness apparatus is a modified troop parachute harness suspended from a spreader bar assembly by four web risers. (See Figure 4-8) The spreader bars react to riser toggle (MC-1 series or MC-6) manipulation much the same as the canopy. The suspended harness simulates the third and fourth points of performance: canopy control and prepare to land.

OBJECTIVES

4-36. The suspended harness apparatus is designed to teach the student to execute the following maneuvers:

MC-6 turning, holding, running, and crabbing.

MC-6 series landing attitude.

MC-6 series emergency landings (tree, water, and wire).

React to twists, collisions, and entanglements.

Figure 4-8. Suspended harness

MOCK DOOR/RAMP

4-16. The mock door/ramp replicates the cargo-troop compartment of a troop carrier aircraft. This apparatus includes openings about the size of the aircraft door and ramp, and anchor line cables for each door/ramp. (See Figure 4-5.) For training purposes, the instruction is divided into a basic phase and an advanced phase. The basic phase teaches basic jump techniques and familiarizes students with equipment, aircraft terms, and safety procedures. The advanced phase provides instruction in the sequence of jump commands and the emergency exit technique.

Figure 4-5. Mock door apparatus image3.emf image4.emf image5.emf image1.emf image2.emf